2o6 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



which intensifies the suffering, and aggravates, in some in- 

 stances at least, the subsequent ^effects. Some operators con- 

 tent themselves, even when the horn is removed at its base, 

 with smearing over the exposed structures a layer of tar, or tar 

 and tow, the result often being that the head of the victim 

 owing to the coagulation and drying of the masses of gore on 

 the side of the head and face, presents a repulsive appearance. 

 I have seen cattle sent intojthe Edinburg market in whom 

 the horns have been removed close to the skull, and the exposed 

 surface cleverly covered over by plastering the surrounding 

 long hair over it by the aid of pitch or some similar material. 



SUBSEQUENT AND REMOTE EFFECTS OF THE OPERATION OF 



DEHORNIKG. 



In those cases where only a small portion of the horn has 

 been removed, the suffering is slight; but even here it will be 

 seen that if the animal accidentally knocks its horn against a 

 hard object, pain is produced; in the course of a few weeks the 

 exposed parts become covered over with a horny material 

 (pseudo-horn), and the sensitive structures are thereby protected 

 from further injury. Where, however, the horn has been ruth- 

 lessly amputated close to the skull, the suffering is often ex- 

 treme, and is always aggravated by cold and wet. 



The frontal sinus being open, blood lodges in one of its cavities, 

 undergoes decomposition, and sets up suppuration, the pus 

 pouring out of the cavities in large quantities when the head is 

 depressed or turned to one side, and also escaping in a stream by 

 the nostril. Sometimes the head is carried very stiffly, and is 

 with difficulty lowered for the purpose of grazing; and if the 

 weather is very cold, cattle will often stand with their backs 

 arched, the abdomen tucked up, and the coat erect, and will 

 altogether present a most miserable appearance. Fever, too, 

 more or less marked, is often present. 



That there is, during this period, considerable loss of flesh 

 and condition is certain, and although it cannot be said that fatal 



