ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS, 367 



and avoids the otherwise filthy habit of biting the required 

 length oflf. 



The operation, however, is not a humane one, and iS there- 

 fore unworthy of further notice in these pages. 



WORMING. 



This absurd and cruel practice is, I am thankful to say, 

 not frequently, as compared with the past, adopted. 



This so-called '' worming " consists in removing one of the 

 cords or tendons of the frsenum, which when removed and 

 released from tension is in its movements said to resemble a 

 d3'ing worm. Ignorant people are thus imposed upon by 

 pretenders of equal ignorance, and with which barbarity is 

 mingled. 



Two prevalent ideas regarding the operation are that it is 

 a preventive of rabies and mischievous disposition, both 

 of which axe equally absurd and, I need scarcely add, erro- 

 neous. 



CASTRATION. 



Castration is now rarely performed on the dog, except for 

 certain conditions of the testicles which render their removal 

 necessary. Emasculated dogs have a great tendency to be- 

 come obese, idle, and so far as sports are concerned, com- 

 paratively useless. In all animals, a loss of energy, physical 

 strength, and acuteness of the senses, generally result from 

 castration. 



It has been ai^ued that animals, particularly dogs, in this 

 state are more affectionate and faithful — the last result, so far 

 as nature is concerned, that could be expected to follow such 

 an operation. Slaves they may be. Disinclination to frater- 



