"This operation terminated, we, by the assistance of a needle, place a suture of three or four double threads, waxed, at an equal distance, and at two centimetres, or a little less, from the lips of the wound; passing it through the divided tissues, we move from the left hand with the piece of thread; having reached that point, we fasten with a double knot; we place the seam in the intervals of the thread from the right, and as we approach the lips of the wound, we fasten by a simple knot, being careful not to close too tightly the lower part of the seam, so that the suppuration, which may be established in the wound, may be able to escape. "The operation effected, we cover up the wound with a pledget of lint, kept in its place by three or four threads passed through the stitches, and all is completed. "It happens, sometimes, that in cutting the muscles of which we have before spoken, we cut one or two of the arteries, which bleed so much that there is necessity for a ligature before opening the peritoneal sac, because, if this precaution be omitted, blood will escape into the abdomen, and may occasion the most serious consequences." The best time for spaying cows, with a view of making them permanent milkers, is between the ages of five and seven, especially if they have had two or three calves. If intended to be fattened for beef, the operation should not be performed until the animal has passed its second year, nor after the twelfth. We usually prepare the animal by allowing a scalded mash every night, within a few days of the operation. The same precaution is observed after the operation. If, after the operation, the animal appears dull and irritable, and refuses her food, the following drink must be given:-- Valerian, 2 ounces. Boiling water, 2 quarts. Set the mixture aside to cool. Then strain, and add infusion of marshmallows (see APPENDIX) one quart; which may be given in pint doses every two hours. If a bad discharge sets up from the wound,--but this will seldom happen, unless the system abounds in morbific materials,--then, in addition to the drink, wash the wound with Pyroligneous acid, 2 ounces. Water, 2 quarts. Mix. FOOTNOTES: