AND CATTLE DOCTOR, 109 



with the manner in which a calf should present itself, 

 when in a natural or proper position. 



When the calf is presented with the head and fore- 

 feet first, and its back towards the cow's back, it is 

 termed a natural position ; all others are unnatural, and 

 are attended with more or less danger both to the cow 

 and the calf, unless immediate and skilful assistance be 

 rendered. 



Sometimes, however, this assistance may not be at 

 hand when wanted. In this case the best that can be 

 obtained must be resorted to. We shall, therefore, 

 give a few of the most common wrong positions, with 

 directions how best to avert any danger therefrom. 



1. — When the waters are broke, and only tJie Jwad 

 and one foot presejited, lay hold of the calf's head, and 

 wait till the throes are off, then gently push it back, 

 and rectify the other foot : It may be then extracted 

 without danger. 



2. — IftJw head only present itself, and both feet are 

 left behind, — the head must as in the former case be 

 pushed back with a gentle hand as soon as the throes 

 are off, and the feet properly placed with the utmost 

 care, or you will wound and tear the arteries. 



3 — If all tJie four feet be turned luhere tJie back ought 

 to be, towards tJie top of tJie uterus, in this situation it 

 will be impossible to extract the calf until it be put in 

 a proper position. The hind parts of the cow must 

 be raised with straw, or with bags of that or other 

 soft material that is soft and easy to lie on, and pro- 

 perly placed under her. By this means the person 

 will be very much assisted in putting the calf in a 

 suitable posture for extraction ; afterwards wait the 

 return of the cow's throes, and then give nature your 

 best assistance. In operations of these kinds, every 

 tiding depends upon the management and activity of the 

 10 



