^94- 



** After the first service of the horse, and before the next 

 trial, on examining the vagina, or bearing, if conception has not 

 taken place it will be of a fresh, bright, or florid and moist ap- 

 pearance, with a clear drop appearing at the lower part, and 

 which, if touched will incline to extend ; but if conception is 

 present, a different appearance of the surface of the vagina will 

 be presented. It will be found dry, and of a dirty brown or 

 rust color ; and a dark, brown looking drop will replace the for- 

 mer clear drop. When these latter appearances are present, 

 pregnancy may be regarded as certain." 



VIII. How to Know Time of Foaling. 



Two days (in some mares only one), before foaling, a sort of 

 sticky substances will be found protruding from each teat, 

 somewhat resembling drops of milk. Care should now be taken 

 to provide a suitable place for her, as this is a certain indication 

 of near delivery. She should be removed from other animals, 

 and a careful person should see to her often enough to guard 

 against accidents. 



Before the signs referred to, as shown by the teats, however, 

 there is on each side of the spinal column, from the tail to 

 the haunch, a furrow-like fold ; and the bag will generally be 

 found considerably increased in size. These signs show that 

 delivery is not very remote, but cannot be relied on to denote 

 the day. 



IX. Abortion, or Slinking the Foal. 



When about half the time of pregnancy is passed, more than 

 ordinary pains should be taken with the mare, as it is at this 

 time, if at all, that she is apt to slink. She ought now to have 

 better feeding, and even gentler handling than she had pre- 

 viously ; though at all times the owner but consults his own in- 

 terests when he carefully guards her against ill usage. She has 

 more need of food, and is less able, at this time, to endure hun- 

 ger, as the rapid growth of the fcetus makes a constant and 

 eevere draft upon her system. What of care may cause abor- 



