CASTRATING. 



65 L 



lightly tai3 the muzzle of the horse with a switch or whip, so as 

 to distract his attention, or he might be put slightly under the 

 influence of chloroform. To overcome the action of the cremaster 

 muscle, we should push the testicle forward, but not draw it back. 

 The left testicle being held in the left hand, fingers pointing to the 

 rear, the operator should make, with a sharp and suitable knife, a 

 bold cut, parallel to the middle line, of about four inches in length, 

 through the skin and coverings of the testicle, which ought to 

 spring out through the opening thus effected. While making the 

 cut, the operator can steady his hand by keeping the tip of the 



Fig. 164. — Horse ready to be made to lie down. 



thumb on the testicle. If the incision does not prove deep or long 

 enough, a second or third one may be made. The cut should be 

 well forward, and as close as possible to the sheath without injuring 

 it, so that any subsequent discharge may readily drain off. It does 

 not veiy much signify if the testicle be wounded. The testicle 

 in its natural state is covered by skin and by an inner 

 coat (peritoneum), the surface of which, next the testicle, is 

 smooth and Histenino- as it is a serous membrane. This serous 

 pouch in which the testicle lies, contains, in health, a greater or 

 less quantity of watery fluid, which may squirt out when the in- 

 cision is made. We may find, as a result of previous inflammation, 

 the testicle adhering to its covering of peritoneum, which in such 



