CHAPTER V. 
PINIONING. 
It may be as well briefly to state the proper way of 
pinioning waterfowl, as this operation is of absolute necessity 
in the case of nearly every kind of goose or duck, and if 
carefully performed is not followed by any injurious results. 
In the case of a very large bird, such as a Swan, Cereopsis, 
or Spur-winged Goose, the operator will require an assistant. 
The necessary implement is a pair of stout sharp scissors 
rounded at the points, and if possible provided with a “stop” 
between the handles which prevents the possibility of the 
scissors crossing where much force has to be employed. There 
should also be ready to the operator’s hand a stick of caustic 
(nitrate of silver) with which to staunch the blood. A hot 
iron should not be used, not only because of the additional pain 
it causes to the bird, but also on account of its tendency to leave 
an unsightly scab as the cauterization heals. The wing of a 
bird is composed of three joints, each of about equal length, 
which we may call the “shoulder,” the “arm,” and the 
“wrist.” It is the ‘‘ wrist” joint which should be removed 
in pinioning, and care should be taken not to sever at the 
same time the little ‘‘thumb” joint or pointed bone which 
terminates the second or “arm” joint, as it carries several 
feathers which, when the wing is closed, in great part hide the 
absence of the amputated pinion. 
If there is only one operator he should place the duck 
between his knees facing himself, the right wing folded to 
its side, and retain it in that position by an even gentle 
