508 
ON DOCKING. 
By Mr. T. Jex, M.R.C.V.S., Y.S. 1st Life Guards. 
To the Editors of ( The Veterinarian? 
Gentlemen, — In your Journal I have lately observed 
communications from several members of the profession on 
the operation of ee Docking or Amputation of the Tail.” 1 
most certainly do agree with them that it is high time the 
searing iron should be discarded from among the instru- 
ments of the legalised veterinary surgeon, and a more humane 
and scientific method adopted of performing this oftentimes 
barbarous operation. I am happy to find that it is gradually 
going out of fashion, and, like most other things, it has had 
its day. People, I trust, are getting more sensible, and are 
contented to leave the animal a useful and ornamental 
appendage, instead of depriving him of that which nature 
gave him for an important office. 
When I first entered the army, now some years ago, it was 
the practice to “ dock” all the remount horses. These animals 
being young, many were of a nervous and vicious temperament, 
and often they became much worse after this operation had 
been performed ; and for a length of time were dangerous 
whenever their tails were interfered with. I was frequently 
disgusted with the cruel method I had to carry out, and felt 
for the poor animal whenever the hot iron was applied ; I 
therefore came to the determination of discontinuing it, and 
trying a more humane and simple mode, and which 
succeeded beyond my expectation. The plan adopted 
was this : — After the removal of the tail I applied a 
small quantity of the Pulvis Resinae Com., laid on a pledget 
of tow, to the bleeding end, and tied a ligature of twine 
around the hair close up to the stump. In a short time the 
hemorrhage subsided, and in no instance had I any ill effects 
from it. The next day I removed the ligature, and allowed 
the tow to come away by itself. The wound soon healed, 
and I had the gratification of knowing my patient had been 
saved the torture of the hot iron. 
I have witnessed very many sad accidents arising from this 
operation being performed in the old way ; and I remember 
once seeing the life of an eminent member of the profession 
placed in jeopardy from the animal plunging and kicking the 
moment he applied the iron. I am happy to say that for 
some years past I have not been called upon to perform this 
