AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 103 



hind legs and tail present : in either of these cases 

 the calving may take place without assistance. But 

 if only a single leg present itself, or the head only, 

 or any other single part, the cow should not be left 

 to her own unavailing efforts to expel the calf, but 

 the veterinary surgeon or experienced dairyman should 

 be immediately called in, to give the necessary assist- 

 ance. 



Never, however, be in too much haste in affording 

 manual assistance for the delivery, as there is oflea 

 mischief done by violent and ill-timed interference. 

 Violence of any kind should indeed always be avoided : 

 when the presentation is natural, the efforts of nature 

 and the labour pains are generally sufficient for the 

 expulsion of the calf; and where unnatural, more 

 effectual service is rendered by care and prompt assist- 

 ance than any kind of violence can afford. Besides, 

 violent efforts of extraction often prove fatal to the cow, 

 or cause a prolapsus, or falling down of the womb, and 

 is infallibly fatal to the calf. When the calf-bladder 

 appears, it should be sufficient to break it, and let the 

 water flow out of its own accord ; and then the only 

 assistance proper is, to draw the calf very gently at 

 those times that the labour pains are observed to be 

 on, hut at no otfier period. 



It is of importance, also, to abstain from giving the 

 cow any kind of heating drench, such as wine with 

 sugar and nutmeg, which are often given to hasten the 

 discharge of the after-birth; but which rather retard 

 it by the irritation they excite : drenches should only 

 be given when the animal appears very enfeebled, and 

 then only by the advice of a competent judge. 



If the labour be tedious, and continue for some time, 

 unaccompanied with any other more unfavourable 

 symptoms, it will be sufficient to give small quantities 



