The castrating forceps (Fig. 12) are used for bringing the clamps together while they hold the spermatic cord between their branches. There are several kinds of these, but in default of obtaining them readily, the operator may find an eligible substitute in the blacksmith’s nippers or the gasfitter’s tongs. We have used this latter for a good many years, and have found it very well adapted to the purpose required, by the presence of its set of double curved and grooved jaws. The twine which it is necessary to use to keep the clamps closed when they have been brought into perfect contact with the castrating forceps, must be soft and strong. A piece of fishing line, previously waxed, will answer the purpose very well. In order to facilitate the traction which may be necessary to keep the clamps in place, it is a good precaution to attach the ends of the twine to small wooden handles to protect the hands from cutting by the string. It is well, also, to prepare a reserve of clamps and twine against accidents from breakage or the mislaying of these articles. COVERED OPERATION. _Modus Operandi._--The animal being thrown on either side, as already described, and kept as nearly as possible on his back by bundles of straw packed under him on the lower side, and the right hind leg secured in its proper position, and the instruments placed within easy reach, the surgeon proceeds with the fourfold steps of the operation, consisting first, in the prehension of the left testicle, or lowest in position; second, the incision through the envelopes; third, the enucleation of the testicle; and fourth, the application and constriction of the clamps. _First step._--The operation must always begin with the prehension of the gland which corresponds with the side--the lower--upon which the animal is lying. This obviates any danger of interference by any little hemorrhage which might occur, and so facilitates the application of the clamps. Then, placing himself toward the back of the patient, the operator reaches over and grasps the lower testicle with both hands, bringing it downwards in such a manner as to stretch the scrotum over its surface. This manipulation is not always of easy performance, the contraction of the cremaster muscle being sometimes so powerful that the gland successfully resists all the operator’s efforts of traction. It is sometimes necessary to divert the attention of the animal, in order to facilitate this part of the process, by pricking him with a pin on the lips or about the anus, the effect of the new sensation being such that his opposition is withdrawn, and the contraction ceasing, he suffers passively the traction of the envelopes over the organ. Or, the same advantage may be obtained by the inhalation of a little ether or chloroform. Then grasping the cord with the left hand and bringing the organ well forward, the surgeon proceeds to the