AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 101 



rather hypothetical than practical, we shall merely 

 observe what experience has proved, that cows which 

 are kept from breeding for several years sometimes 

 fall into a consumption ; and become thereby ever 

 afterwards incapable of producing issue, although more 

 and oflener inclined to receive the bull. 



The cow goes nine months with calf; some give 

 milk during the whole time ; others lose it about the 

 seventh or eighth month: it is, however, adviseable, 

 as a general rule, to cease to milk them at seven 

 months, unless the udder should swell ; in this case 

 only half the quantity in the udder should be drawn 

 off, and that more from relief to the animal than from 

 any service to which the milk can be applied ; as it is 

 now of little value, and necessary to the nourishment 

 of the foetal calf. 



Cows that are with calf should be kept in fields 

 where the ground is nearly level, and where there are 

 no large ditches ; as abortion is often a consequence of 

 their leaping over ditches, or slipping on very hilly or 

 steep ground, when driven into the stable at the time 

 the fields are laid up, or in situations where it is neces- 

 sary to employ dogs to keep them. 



Pregnant cows, and especially such as are near calv- 

 ing, ought to be fed with better and more substantial 

 food than usual. Grain of any kind is now useful, 

 but it must he bruised^ or crushed; barley and oats are 

 the best kinds. Some good soft fragrant hay of the 

 second crop, or skimmings, should be reserved for this 

 purpose. 



When pregnant cows are kept together in the same 

 pasture, they should be carefully watched, as they are 

 very apt to quarrel and hurt each other, and even to 

 cause warping or slipping the calf. 



Cows are more liable to abortion than any other do- 

 9* 



