SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 249 
ather, and in some respects the preferable method, is to employ a 
blunt-edged iron, which is to divide by little cruciai sawings, so 
that, when the cord is separated, it shall not present a uniform 
surfac2, but ragged edges, which will perfectly close the mouths 
ot the vessels. This done, loosen the clams sufficiently to observe 
whether there be any flow of blood. Gently wipe the end of the 
cord, also, with the finger, as sometimes an accidental small plug 
gets within the vessel; this had better be removed at the time. 
Retain a hold on the clams a few minutes longer; and, while 
loosening them gradually, observe to have an iron in readiness 
ugain to touch the end of the cord, if any blood makes its appear- 
ance. Satisfied on this point, sponge the parts with cold water. 
No sort of external application is necessary, still less any resin 
seared on the end of the cord, which can only irritate, and will 
never adhere. 
On the after-treatment much difference of opinion has existed, 
and even yet exists. The powerful evidence of accumulated facts 
nas now convinced us of the necessity and propriety of some mo 
tion for the newly castrated horse, as a preventive of local con- 
gestion. Such practice is common in most countries, and seems 
salutary in all. Hurtrel d’Arboval, thus impressed, recommends 
the horse, immediately after the operation, to be led out to walk 
for an hour; and it is a general plan in France to walk such horses 
in hand an hour night and morning. Mr. Goodwin, in proof of its 
not being hurtful, informs us that whole studs of horses, brought 
to St. Petersburg to be operated on, are immediately traveled 
back a certain portion of the distance, night and morning, until 
they arrive at home. We have, therefore, no hesitation in recom- 
mending a moderate degree of motion in preference to absolute 
rest. 
The French method of castration is advocated by Mr. Goodwin, 
and it is sufficient that it receives his recommendation to entitle 
1t to attention. It is rendered the more so, as he observes, on 
the method in general use among us, ‘that the operation per- 
formed by the actual cautery always induces, more or less, symp 
toms that often become alarming, and that it can not he performed 
on the adult without incurring more swelling and severer conse- 
quences than attend other methods of operation. If I ever use 
the actual cautery, it is for the sake of expedition, and then only 
on a yearling or a two-year old; but I am resolved never to em- 
