502 
REMARKS ON CASTRATION. 
contents, I examined the brain, and observed that the plexus 
choroides in the right ventricle were much enlarged, and that 
a deposit of granules, the size of mustard seeds, six in number, 
had taken place among the vessels. This case proved, beyond 
doubt, the correctness of Mr. VarnelPs opinion, that such 
deposits do not necessarily cause much inconvenience. I would 
add, however, that when I have met with these deposits, it 
has generally been in animals whose life has been hurried to 
a termination by some extraordinary excitement, or similar 
cause. 
REMARKS ON CASTRATION, 
By the Same. 
The August number of the Veterinarian contains two 
articles upon the above subject, which as it is, without doubt, 
one that the profession is more or less interested in, I 
venture to offer a few remarks upon. 
When I came to this county, in 1849, I was requested to 
perform the operation of castration with caustic clams, as my 
predecessor was reported to have done so for some years, with 
great success. At first I thought it an ingenious method, 
besides saving much trouble and annoyance,but I occasionally 
found a difficulty in overcoming the action of the cremaster, 
which retarded the operation. One thing I was convinced 
of, viz., that the pain which the animal suffered shortly after 
the operation, was more severe and lasted a longer time after, 
being often continuous for six hours. 1 was at all times very 
anxious about my patients, especially if they happened to be 
in my infirmary. Occasionally I have had half a dozen or so 
under mv immediate care, at one and the same time. I can- 
not say that I liked this mode of operating, because it entailed 
another and somewhat hazardous proceeding for the removal 
of the clams. This part of the operation I found to succeed 
best on the fifth daj r . The manner of casting for the operation 
is objectionable. I have had a few broken backs during my 
short career, but never one under my present system of cast¬ 
ing the animal, and as I have not met with any writer who has 
described either the plan of operating or casting which I 
pursue, I will endeavour to describe both of these. 
Although I am acquainted with a medical practitioner who 
employs Acid. Sulph., in his treatment of some kinds of 
