Capoiiising. , 233 



very sharp ; a surgeon's small operating-knife, termed a 

 curved-pointed bistoury,"is far better than an ordinary knife, 

 as it makes a much neater- wound, and so increases greatly 

 the chances of healing ; or a curved-pointed penknife may 

 be used. A stout needle and waxed thread are also requisite ; 

 a small curved surgical needle will be found much more 

 convenient in use than a common straight one. 



" It is necessary that there should be two persons to 

 perform the operation. The assistant places the bird on 

 its right side on the knees of the person who is about to 

 operate, and who is seated in a chair of such a height as 

 to make his thighs horizontal. The back of the bird is 

 turned towards the operator, and the right leg and thigh 

 held firmly along the body, the left being drawn back 

 towards the tail, thus exposing the left flank, where the 

 incision has to be made. After removing the feathers the 

 skin is raised up, just behind the last rib, with the point 

 of the needle, so as to avoid wounding the intestines, and 

 an incision along the edge of the last rib is made into 

 the cavity of the body sufficiently large to admit of the 

 introduction of the finger. If any portion of the bowels 

 escape from the wound it must be carefully returned. The 

 forefinger is then introduced into the cavity, and directed 

 behind the intestines towards the back, somewhat to the left 

 side of the middle line of the body. 



" If the proper position is gained (which is somewhat diffi- 

 cult to an inexperienced operator, especially if the cock is of 

 full size), the finger comes into contact with the left testicle, 

 which in a young bird of four months is rather larger than 

 a full-sized horse-bean. It is moveable, and apt to slip 

 under the finger, although adhering to the spine ; when 

 felt it is to be gently pulled away from its attachments 

 with the finger and removed through the wound — an opera- 



