or SPADING, the operation of castrating the females of several kinds of animals, as fows, bitches, &c. to prevent any further conception, and promote their fattening. It is performed by cutting them in the mid flank, on the left side, with a sharp knife or lancet, taking out the ovaries, and cutting them off, and so stitching up the wound, anointing the part with tar, and keeping the animal warm for two or three days. The usual way is to make the incision a-flop, two inches and a half long; that the fore-finger may be put in towards the back, to feel for the ovaries, which are two kernels as big as acorns on both sides of the uterus, one of which is drawn to the wound, and thus both taken out.

SPEAKER of the House of Commons, a member of the house elected by a majority of votes thereof to act as chairman or presidant in putting questions, reading briefs, or bills, keeping order, reprimanding the refractory, adjourning the house, &c. See Parliament.