complication. Scirrhous cords or fibrous tumors should be dissected out and
removed before they have become large and begun breaking down.

CASTRATION OF RIDGELING OR CRYPTORCHID ANIMALS.--In the ridgeling animal
one or both of the testicles have not descended into the scrotal sac, and
are usually lodged in the inguinal canal or abdominal cavity. If the
testicle is lodged in the inguinal canal the animal is termed a "flanker."
In yearling colts the testicular cord is sometimes short, and the testicle
is situated high up in the scrotum and inguinal canal. In examining a
supposed cryptorchid colt, he should be twitched. This may cause the
testicle to descend into the scrotum.

The castration of a true cryptorchid requires a special operation. When
properly performed and the animal given special after-care, the operation
is not followed by any serious complications. An abnormally large, diseased
testicle is sometimes met with that cannot be removed in the usual way, and
which complicates and increases the difficulty of operating.

CAPONIZING.--The castration or caponizing of the male chicken is commonly
practised in certain localities. This operation changes the disposition of
the cockerel. He becomes more quiet and sluggish, never crows, the head is
small, the comb and wattles cease growing and the hackle and saddle
feathers become well developed. A capon always develops more uniformly and
is larger than the cockerel.

_The best time to caponize the cockerel_ is when he weighs between two or
three pounds. If older and heavier, the testicle becomes so large that it
is very difficult to remove, and the danger from tearing the spermatic
artery and a fatal haemorrhage resulting is greater.