SUEGICAL OPERATIONS. 303 



the case of the ox this is very easily done, either by use of horse hob- 

 bles should they be at hand, or by the application of a simple rope. If 

 the horse hobbles are used they should be fastened on the leg just 

 above the fetlocks (ankle joints), as they are in that position less liable 

 to coine off than if placed around the pastern. 



Of the many ways of applying the rope for this purpose I will only 

 describe two, which I consider the best and simplest. First: Take a 

 long, strong rope (one which has been used a few times is more flexible), 

 double it, and at two or tliree feet from the doubled end, according to 

 the size of the animal, make a knot and pass the collar thus formed over 

 the animal's head, allowing it to rest on what would be the collar place 

 in a horse. Now pass the ends of the rope between the fore legs, carry 

 one around each hind leg just above the fetlock joint, from outside in, 

 under itself once, and bring the free ends forward, passing each through 

 the collar loop on its own side and bringing the slack back toward and 

 beyond the hind quarters. (Plate xxvi, Fig. 2.) 



Two or three stout men should then take hold of each rope and at a 

 given signal pull. The animal's hind legs being drawn forward, the 

 balance is lost, and if the animal does not fall or lie down he can be 

 readily pushed over on his side and secured in the desired position. 

 Second : The three half hitches. Take a rope 30 or more feet long, 

 make a slip noose at the end, and pass it over the animal's horns, leav- 

 ing the knot in the loop between the horns; then pass the rope back- 

 ward along the neck to the withers, just in front of which take a half 

 hitch on it, passing it along the back, take one half hitch just behind 

 the forelegs and a second in front of the hind limbs round the flank. 

 (Plate xxvi, Fig. 1.) The free end of the rope is taken hold of by one or 

 two assistants while another holds the animal's head. By pulling firmly 

 on the rope, or inducing the animal to make a step or two forward while 

 steady traction is made on the rope, the beast will quietly lie down, 

 when his feet can be secured in the way most convenient for the opera tor. 



There are numerous other methods, involving more or less complete 

 restraint, which may be equally eflicacious, but one or other of the ways 

 indicated will doubtless bo found to fully meet all ordinary cases. 



RFNttlNO THE BULL. 



This is usually and ought always to be done before the calf has at- 

 tained sullieient weight or strength t> make his restraint a matin- of 

 serious difficulty. An ordinary halter is usually all that is required, 

 the strap being .secured to a tree or post. A jointed steel or copper 

 ring is ordinarily used. Those made of the latter metal an- prefer- 

 able. 



The comiuon method of punching a round piece out ot'tho nasal sep- 

 tum for the introduction of the rin# is, I think, open to objection, as 

 portions of the fine nervous filament* are destroyed. The sensibility of 

 the parts is thus lessened and the object of ringing to some extent dc- 



