STJKGICAL OPEBATIONS. 289 



leg just above the fetlocks (ankle joints), as in that position they are 

 less liable to come off than if placed around the pastern. 



Of the many ways of applying the rope for this purpose we will 

 describe only two, which we 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 2 or 3 feet from the doubled 

 end, according to the size of the animal, make a knot and pass the 

 collar thus formed o^'er the animaFs head, allowing it to rest on what 

 woidd be the collar place in a horse. Now, pass the ends of the rope 

 between the forelegs, carry one arovmd each hind leg just above the 

 fetlock joint, from outside in, under itself once, ixnd 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. 

 (PI. XXVI, fig. 2.) Two or three 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, 

 leaving the knot in the loop between the horns ; then pass the roj^e 

 backward 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. (PI. 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 lie down, when his feet can be secured in the way most con- 

 venient for the operator. 



There are numerous other methods, involving more or less com- 

 plete restraint, which may be equally efficacious, but one or other of 

 the ways indicated will doubtless be found to meet fully all ordinary 

 cases. 



RINGING THE BULL. 



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

 attained sufficient weight or strength to make his restraint a matter 

 of serious difficulty. An ordinary halter is usually all that is re- 

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

 copper ring is ordinarily used. Those made of the latter metal are 

 preferable. 



The common method of punching a round piece out of the nasal 

 septum for the introduction of the ring is, I think, open to objection, 

 as portions of the fine nervous filaments are destroyed. The sensi- 

 33071°— 16 19 



