CAPONIZING 313 
it become jerky or irregular, at once open the end of the chloroform 
bag and admit more air. 
After treatment. For the first twenty-four hours after the op- 
eration the birds should be placed in as quiet a camp as possible, 
where they are not likely to be frightened or made to run. Green 
alfalfa is the best food both before and after the operation. 
Instruments. All the instruments required by any one operat- 
ing by this method are: (a) chloroform bag, such as the one I have 
had made, (b) sharp knives, (c) needles and cat-gut, (d) needle 
holder. This latter will be found useful for the deep stitches in the 
peritoneum. 
Advantages resulting from the operation. Having described 
the operation I will briefly enumerate the advantages which it is 
claimed will result from it. 
1. It is claimed that with the increased condition of the bird which 
is sure to follow the operation, there will be increased weight of 
feathers. 
2. That owing to the quieter life of the bird the feathers will 
be less damaged by fighting or scraping on the ground than in the 
entire bird. | 
3. In droughts or when food is scarce, castrated birds will keep 
in fair condition where entire birds would starve. 
4. I believe the flesh of a capon will prove an acceptable article 
of human food. I am quite prepared for this idea to be ridiculed 
today, but in time to come it may be considered.” 
REFERENCES 
1. Elley. Castration of ostriches. Agr. J. Cape of Good Hope, Vol. 
29, 1906, p. 349. 
2. Slocum. Capons and caponizing. U. 8S. Dep., Agr. Farmers’ Bull. 
849, 1917. ; 
