508 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



Mr Lawrence, an experienced veterinarian, gives 

 the following rules, which merit attention : 



" ist. Employ timely assistance before the animal 

 is exhausted. 



" 2nd. Extraction never to be attempted in an 

 improper position. 



" 3rd. Supple the hand and arm with warm water 

 and fresh lard. 



"4th. Examination best made, the cow standing, 

 and in the interval of pains. 



" 5th. In pulling at the feet, enclose the claws, 

 or hoofs, in the hand, that the horn may not bruise 

 the cow. 



" 6th. The navel-string bursting, and the usual 

 flux of blood of no consequence. 



" 7th. Instruments to be used only as the last 

 resort, and by experienced and steady persons 

 only." 



Should it be necessary to assist the cow, the 

 position of the calf may be ascertained after the 

 waters have been seen. A cord should always be 

 at hand to attach to the fore-legs of the calf, in 

 order that each natural exertion, or throe, may be 

 assisted. Always keep the head free from ob- 

 struction. 



It sometimes happens that the passage to the 

 uterus is so contracted and sinewy as to obstruct the 

 passage of even the smallest hand ; and, indeed, 

 even the finger, in some cases. This is called 

 horning (scirrhus) of the lye, or calf-bed. This 

 occurs even at the last stage of gestation ; and 

 many cows cannot give birth to their calves in con- 

 sequence, and not a few have fallen victims to it. 

 When the period of parturition has arrived, and the 

 animal manifests difficulty in parting with her calf, 



