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71
passes into the actual slaughtering place the communicating door is
kept closed, hence any other animals in the lairs have no opportunity
of seeing the process.
It is of interest to note that the days of pole-axing have passed
away—have been prohibited in fact—and the humane killer is now
used. The Temple-Cox killer is used, a heavy type for heavy beasts
such as oxen, and a lighter type for sheep, calves, etc. The Killer
resembles an automatic pistol in appearance, and when about to be
used a cartridge containing an explosive is placed in the breech of the
Killer. When the trigger is pulled the cartridge is exploded and a
bolt is driven through the frontal bone of the skull, penetrating the
brain and causing instantaneous death. Prior to slaughter, a halter is
placed round the head of the animal while it is in the lair, and when
the animal has entered the slaughtering place, the winch controlling the
halter is turned ; this gradually and gently lowers the animal's head,
thus bringing it steadily down to the required level. What a merciful
system this is, compared with the pole-axe days. Just after the trigger
is pulled, a thin pithing cane is passed through the hole in the skull,
right into the spinal column; the cane is moved to and fro, thereby
destroying the spinal cord and nerve centres. Were this not done, the
process of skinning, etc., would be delayed ; the muscles would keep
twitching, the limbs contracting and extending, thus probably injuring
the slaughterman and delaying dressing. The carotid arteries are next
severed and the blood is caught in a vessel and used for making "black
puddings." The head and hoofs are severed, and the carcase hoisted
and skinned. The skin is sold for fifty shillings to the tannery ; the
head is sent to the shop for sale, and the hoofs are packed off to
the glue and size maker.
As the carcase was disembowelled we cut out the submaxilliary,
pharyngeal and suprarenal glands, and examined these carefully for
any signs of tubercule. The lining of the thorax and abdomen was
scrutinised for tubercular deposits; it was a sound animal.
Our arrangements with Messrs.-are that if we are not present
during slaughtering, and they come across an animal which they suspect
or believe to be diseased, they telephone to the Town Hall, and
the suspected beast is examined at once. The premises are also
visited thrice each week by the Inspector as a routine. The stomachs