I 
482 T. B. RODGERS. 
nective tissue layers intervening between the skin and the 
hidden vaginal tunic is to place the dorsal surface of the 
two forefingers together, pass them down the canal until 
the tunic vaginalis is felt, then separate them in the line of the 
incision; you will thus avoid making pockets in the connective 
tissue to retain wound secretions and complicate healing. 
Incise the vaginal tumc. carrying the incision well back 
over the epididymis. Cut through the white muscular fibres 
of Bouley at their attachment behind the epididymis, and by 
pulling them backward and the testicle and cord forward, free 
the testicle from their influence of traction. Free the other 
testicle in like manner. Pass the chain round both cords, 
about one and a half inches above the epididymis, keeping it 
(the chain) at right angles to the cord (this is important in re¬ 
ducing the danger of hemorrhage and leaving the least pos¬ 
sible wound surface), and slowly crush off the cords, twist 
and stop, twist and stop, pushing the ecraseur forward so that 
a sudden struggle shall not stretch or tear the cord. A point 
here : If your ecraseur is new, go slow, the more crisply the 
cord cuts the greater the danger of hemorrhage ; after the slot 
of the instrument has become worn and the cord pulls into it a 
little before giving way entirely, the danger of bleeding is much 
lessened. Wash out the wounds with creolin solution or with 
solution of bichloride of mercury, grease them with idoform 
ointment, take off the hobbles and allow the patient to rise. 
Let him stand quiet for a day, then wash and grease him twice 
daily, keeping the incisions open as long as possible. Give 
exercise in fit weather and see that his stall is kept clean. 
THE CASTRATION OF CRYPTORCHIDS. 
It has been reserved for a layman (“Farmer Miles’') to 
make a greater reputation, and accumulate more wealth, in 
the practice of this specialty than any professional man in this 
country. I have seen him operate and should be unjust 
to deny him great natural aptitude for his vocation, entire 
coolness, great manual dexterity acquired by much practice, 
and an excellent, though rather slow, method of casting and 
preparing for the operation. It has also been my fortune to 
