Functions of the Generative Organs. 157 
being secure, the finger is to be employed to keep the 
foetus 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 foetus 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 
sensible 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 
II 
