140 ANIMAL CASTRATION. 



of the cavity, keeping the instrument in that position 

 by a hold of the left hand, which has been withdrawn 

 from the vagina. He then arms himself with the 

 bistoury cache, which he holds closed in his full 

 hand and introduces with the right hand into the 

 vagina. Carefully feeling the condition of the upper 

 wall of this cavitj-, and assuring himself of its being 

 well stretched, he rests his hand, still holding the bis- 

 toury, upon the opening or " window ' at the end of 

 the speculum (Figs. 37 and 38), and by firmly pushing 

 the blade (the sharp edge being turned backwards) out 

 of its handle, pierces with it the vaginal walls, about 

 two inches above the neck of the uterus, and with a 

 motion from below upwards and from before back- 

 wards, makes an incision on the median line, from 

 three to three and a half inches in length. The in- 

 troduction of the instrument must be made in such 

 a manner that it will pass at once through the walls 

 ■ of the vagina proper, as well as through the perito- 

 neal cap which it presents at its anterior portion. 



The incision being completed, the speculum is 

 carefully withdrawn ; and if a slight hemorrhage 

 shoirld occur, the blood should be removed before the 

 surgeon proceeds to the second step of the operation. 



EEMOVAL OF THE OVABIES. 



Then, again introducing his hand into the 

 vagina, and passing his finger through the opening 

 made by the incision, he feels for the ovaries, which 

 lie finds floating at the extremity of their ligaments, 

 towards the entrance of the pelvis, below, on each 



