CASTRATION OF THE HORSE. 
627 
location above the peritoneum, which, if it occurs at all, is very 
rare indeed. At least, in ninety-nine out of every hundred 
cases, sufficient of the cavity can be explored, simply by the 
introduction of two lingers, to secure the testicle or some of 
its appendages. It may, however, be mentioned that the ex¬ 
tent of cavity that can thus be explored is greatly increased 
by pressing downward, with the disengaged hand, the abdom¬ 
inal wall in the vicinity. Therefore, no exact rule can be laid 
down as to the exact time when it is permissible for the opera¬ 
tor to introduce his whole hand into the abdominal cavity. 
If there be no probability of a mistake in regard to the side on 
which the cryptorchidy exists and he has sought in vain, for 
at least an hour, he may perhaps with propriety pass his hand 
into the abdominal cavity ; but, while I have done this on 
more than one occasion, still I am confident that I never 
operated upon a case where a little more patience and perse¬ 
verance, without such introduction of the hand, would not 
have secured the testicle with greater safety to the animal. 
No description of the method of procedure in searching 
for the testicle would be of value to the inexperienced opera¬ 
tor. If he has sufficient practical knowledge of the anatomy 
of the parts within his reach to recognize each organ as his 
fingers came in contact with it all that is usually necessary to 
complete the operation is patient perseverance. If, however, 
the precaution of depriving the animal of food and water for 
twenty-four hours immediately preceding has been neglected 
some difficulty may be experienced in finding the gland, and 
if the operator be not a practical anatomist he may also expe¬ 
rience some difficulty in distinguishing certain parts of the 
cord and vas deferens even when within his grasp. He may, 
however, usually expect to find within easy reach either the 
testicle, epididymis or vas deferens, but if the first two cannot 
be felt the last may usually be secured, as it passes along the 
side of the bladder, by compressing the abdominal wall, as 
above directed, so as to bring that organ within easy reach of 
the fingers. Owing to the location of the opening into the 
abdominal cavity the epididymis or vas deferens is usually 
secured before the testicle, but this serves the operator’s pur- 
