168 Veterinary Elements. 



pregnancy, namely, slowness of action, enlargement of 

 the belly and of the udder, presence of milk in the udder, 

 and movements of the fetus in the dam, the latter being 

 shown after feeding or drinking, especially of cold water. 

 Daring the period of gestation (carrying the young) the 

 treatment of the dam should be natural, plenty of exer- 

 cise, not of a violent character, good nutritious food, 

 easily digested and of a slightly laxative nature; no 

 mouldy, spoiled food or grasses with ergot or smut on 

 should be used. The drinking water should be pure and 

 not ice cold, the stables should be clean and free from 

 odors; pregnant mares seem to be very easily affected by 

 smells. Mares should have light work towards the end 

 of the pregnancy, and should not be used to saddle or 

 asked to back loads or work in slippery places at that 

 time. Some horsemen make a practice of feeding a small 

 quantity of wheat to in- foal inares during the last few 

 months of the pregnancy. Kindness should be the only 

 treatment meted out, together with plenty of pure air 

 and exercise, with an avoidance of fattening as far as 

 possible, and by so doing keep the muscular system in 

 good tone; if too much succulent food is given ewes with 

 lamb the lambs are apt to come soft and flabby. No pur- 

 gatives (except to cows liable to milk fever) should be 

 given to pregnant animals and surgical operations should 

 be postponed until after delivery. Mares may be worked 

 safely right up to foaling; I have myself done so, remov- 

 ing mares from the harness to bring forth strong, healthy 

 foals. Cows are usually dried about six weeks before the 

 time of calving. The careful stockman will have in his 

 breeding book the date at which gestation will be ex- 



