CAPONIZING 



139 



proper time of day at whieli to operate is between the hours of 10 a. m. and 

 2 p. m., as at this time the sun is high and in proper position to reflect its 

 bright liglit into the abdominal cavity. Good light is one of the essentials. 

 Never attempt to operate without it. With the fowl properly confined and 

 in such a position as will enable the sunlight to illuminate the abdominal 

 cavity — operate out of doors — instruments and hands of the operator clean, 

 proceed as follows : 



1. Pluck the feathers from the field of operation. 



2. Chill the parts by pouring a glass of ice water slowly over the skin. 



Fig. 125 — Removing the testicle with a scoop. E. Abdominal incision in last 

 intercostal space; F, scoop applied; G, spreaders applied. 



This chilling process has a good influence in preventing cutaneous hem- 

 orrhage. 



3. Make an abdominal incision with the knife by incising the muscles in 

 the last intercostal space (between the last two ribs). Since the intercostal 

 artery passes along the posterior border of the ribs, this incision should 

 closely follow the anterior border of the last rib. The first incision includes 

 all layers of the abdominal wall with the exception of the peritoneum. 



4. Insert the spreaders and spread the ribs apart sufficiently to admit 

 the scoop or forceps. 



5. Nick the peritoneum. This will open the abdominal cavity. 



6. The testicles are now located and if both are to be removed through 



