AMPUTATION. J35 



into minute anatomical details, but it is suf- 

 ficient to observe that the principal blood- 

 vessels lie underneath the bones, and not far 

 from them. From the bones marked 1, 2, 

 and 3, proceed the great primaries or quill 

 feathers, usually consisting of ten or twelve. 

 From 4, which corresponds with the fore arm 

 in man, proceed the lesser or secondary quills, 

 consisting of twelve or fourteen feathers, and 

 which cover the quills when the wing is 

 closed. If we desire to take off only eight 

 or nine quills, which are sufficient for ducks, 

 operate at a ; but for partridges, quails, and 

 common fowls, operate at b. Make use of 

 a long needle, and a double, strong, waxed 

 thread. Let the bird be held by an assist- 

 ant, and, having cut away the feathers at 

 the place to be operated on, pass the needle 

 through between the bones as close as pos- 

 sible to the lesser bone, taking the inside 

 of that bone for guiding the point of the 

 needle. Return the needle on the opposite 

 side of the great bone, a little within the 

 skin ; then bring the two ends together and 

 make a double turn in the first knot, to pre- 



