Abstract: The whipstock assembly comprises an assembly casing (9) with preformed windows connected to production casing (7); a landing tube (21) is located within assembly casing (9) for receiving whipstock shaft; a key is located within tube (21) for cooperation with J-slot on whipstock shaft. The whipstock consists of upper (49) and lower (55) portion which are fixed against relative rotation by splines. The assembly casing (9) with landing tube (21) is positioned in the borehole using a gyro survey tool for correct orientation of the windows. After a first side hole has been drilled, upper portion (49) is raised and rotated to place wedge surface (51) for drilling a second side hole. Tube (21) is initially closed by a cap containing a marking fluid; after the cap has been drilled out the marking fluid indicates the removal of the cap. In a second embodiment two vertically spaced side holes are drilled.

Abstract: A viscosity-increased liquid carbon dioxide fracturing fluid is provided for the treatment of subterranean gas-bearing formations. The composition comprises liquid carbon dioxide which has been thickened by the addition of a small amount of a copolymer which is the reaction product of liquid carbon dioxide and an alkene oxide, preferably propylene oxide. The use of the copolymer thickener provides a CO.sub.2 fracturing fluid which may be pumped at a high rate, will not readily boil or foam, will carry a propping agent and will completely degrade within the formation.