Functions of the Generative Organs. 157 



being secure, the finger is to be employed to keep the 

 fcEtus from escaping, by pushing it against or towards the 

 point of the crotchet, and holding it there. Traction is 

 now made steadily, and in the proper direction ; and the 

 assistant at the same time, by manipulating the belly, 

 facilitates the delivery of the bitch, which should .be in a 

 standing position — not upon its back. 



" The directions are not very complex, but they must 

 not on that account be disregarded. By introducing the 

 finger, and taking care that its extremity corresponds 

 with the point of the instrument, a great object is gained by 

 securing the pup more firmly ; yet there are other advan- 

 tages also obtained by this mode of operating. The head 

 of the fcetus is generally too large for the vagina, and hence 



■■the difficulty of its expulsion ; but by the employment of 



; an instrument which is simultaneously to pass, we appear 

 to be increasing the obstruction. However, by compressing 

 the head with the end of the finger, it is in some degree forced 

 to conform to the diameter of the passage, which the gelati- 

 nous development of the pup at the time of birth readily 

 enables it to do. Moreover, the hazard of injury being 

 done, if the instrument should lose its hold, is guarded 

 against ; for, should the hook slip, the point would be 

 received upon the end of the finger before it could catch the 

 soft parts. ■ However, the operator will feel the hold giving 

 way long before it is entirely lost, and will be enabled to 



' rectify the occurrence in the majority of cases before there 

 is a chance of accident. The finger, therefore, becomes a 



|i«ensible guide to the operator, and by its employment the 

 traction is rendered more firm and steady. But, above all, 

 care should be taken to have the instrument perfectly, 

 blunt, and the beaks of the hooks not too long. A 

 sharp point might, at the first glance, seem more likely to 

 answer the purpose in- view ; but its employment would be 

 attended with danger, and on being tested it would be 

 found more apt to tear away. In fact, the sharper the 



