THE POULTRY BOOK. 
95 
and waxed tliread are also requisite ; a small curved surgical needle will be found 
much more convenient in use than a common straight one. 
‘‘It is necessary that there should be two persons to perform the operation. 
The assistant places the bird on its right side on the knees of the person who is 
about to operate, and who is seated in a chair of such a height as to make his 
thighs horizontal. The back of the bird is turned towards the operator, and the 
right leg and thigh held firmly along the body, the left being drawn back tovrards 
the tail, thus exposing the left flank, where the incision has to be made. After 
removing the feathers the sldn is raised up, just behind the last rib, with the point 
of the needle, so as to avoid wounding the intestines, and an incision along the 
edge of the last rib is made into the cavity of the body sufficiently large to admit 
of the introduction of the finger. If' any portion of the bowels escape from the 
wound it must be carefully returned. The forefinger is then introduced into the 
cavity, and directed behind the intestines towards the back, somewhat to the left 
side of the middle line of the body. 
“ If the proper position is gained (which is somewhat difficult to an inex- 
perienced operator, especially if the cock is of full size), the finger comes into 
contact with the left testicle, which in a young bird of four months is rather 
larger than a full-sized horse-bean. It is movable, and apt to slip under the 
finger, although adheiing to the spine ; when felt it is to be gently pulled 
away from its attachments with the finger and removed through the wound — an 
operation which requires considerable practice and facility to perform properly, as 
the testicle sometimes slips from under the finger before it is got out, and, gliding 
amongst the intestines, cannot be found again readily ; it may, however, remain 
in the body of the animal without much inconvenience, although it is better 
removed, as its presence is apt to excite inflammation. 
“ After removing the left testicle, the finger is again introduced, and the right 
one sought for and removed in a similar manner. It is readily discovered, as its 
situation is alongside of the former, a little to the right side of the body. After- 
wards the lips of the wound are brought together and kept in contact with two or 
three stitches with the waxed thread. No attempt should be made to sew up the 
wound vflth a continuous seam, but each stitch should be perfectly separate, and 
tied distinctly from the others. 
“ In making the stitches great care should be taken ; the skin should be raised 
up so as to avoid wounding the intestines with the needle, or including even the 
slightest portion of them in the thread — an accident that would almost inevitably 
be followed by the death of the animal. 
“ After the operation the bird had better be placed under a coop in a quiet 
situation, and supplied with drink and soft food, such as sopped bread. After a 
few hours it is best to give him his liberty, if he can be turned out in some quiet 
place removed from the poultry-yard, as, if attacked by the other cocks, the healing 
of the wound would be endangered. 
“ After the operation the bird should not be permitted to roost on a perch, as 
