442 OPERATIONS. 
creatures more distorted and more fixed. Has man any cause to wonder 
at a horse being occasionally what is called “vicious,” when the un- 
reasoning creature is thus fearfully operated upon? Is it not rather a 
proof of the horse’s intelligence that it can recognize the cause of its 
suffering, and study ever after to repel its tormentor ? 
Let the horse be thrown down after the admirable method introduced 
by Mr. Rarey. Let it then be hobbled, and never, during the operation, 
hear any sound but soothing accents. Animals do not understand words, 
hut they are quick readers of characteristics. The language itself these 
creatures may not be able to literally interpret; but they comprehend 
all which the manner conveys. When kindness is expressed, the mean- 
ing is felt, though the verbiage be lost: it is astonishing how animals 
will enter into the intention of speech! How home kind language 
seems to go to the ignorant heart, and how true it is that a gentle word 
is never thrown away! It is surprising to observe the affection by which 
the human race is surrounded; they live and walk among animals eager 
for permission to adore them, anxious to love and to serve them; but it 
is lamentable to see how an evil spirit repels the feeling which pervades 
all nature. 
There is another point upon which the writer presumes to offer ad- 
vice. Veterinary surgeons display ignorance in nothing more than in 
being servile copyists. They do not view their sphere of science as a 
separate and distinct branch. They always will strive to follow the 
example of human practitioners even to particulars. There is no dif- 
ference in the dissecting knives used at the King’s College and the Royal 
Veterinary establishment, though bodies of different bulks are studied 
in each school. The operating knives of most veterinary surgeons are 
ridiculously small for such purposes. The consequence is, the animal 
is much longer down than is absolntely necessary. The author has 
known one hour employed in dressing a quittor; whereas six sinuses 
ought to be laid open and dressed in less than five minutes. A vast 
deal of time is thus wasted; although the opposition to Mr. Rarey’s 
method of throwing will, doubtless, be the length of time it would 
occupy. However, granting the objection; which is the surgeon bound 
to consider—the welfare of his patient or his own convenience? It is 
not every day that the gentleman who enjoys the largest practice has to 
cast a horse. It is, in fact, a somewhat rare and an exceptional occur- 
rence. Could not the most engaged man devote an occasional half hour 
to the benefit of his profession ? 
When operating upon living flesh, always have your knives rather too 
large than in any measure too small. The work is performed quicker; 
besides, the hands are kept at some distance from the wound, and the 
