112 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER 



back, in the form of a curve, and begin to lower to- 

 wards the tail, with the hip, rump, and sirloin for the 

 most part straight, are the most liable to this com- 

 plaint. Cows thus formed denote great weakness in 

 those parts ; and, without great care and proper man- 

 agement at the time of calving, are almost sure of 

 having this complaint. 



By observing the following rules, this may, gener- 

 erally, be prevented. 



The floor or pavement of the cow-house should be 

 made level at the time of calving ; and it will be 

 greatly to the advantage of some cows, if they be 

 placed so that they stand higher behind than before 

 for a considerable time before calving ; as that posi- 

 tion will enable them, when down, to rise with more 

 ease, and with less danger of straining themselves. 



If the falling-down of the calf-bed be suspected, the 

 cow ought to be carefully watched, particularly at the 

 time of calving, and it should be prevented, as far as 

 possible, by the means above mentioned. 



Treatment. — As soon as the falling down of the 

 calf-bed takes place, care should be taken to have in 

 readiness a clean sheet well-aired, to put underneath 

 and around the calf-bed, if she lay down ; or to sup- 

 port it, if standing ; and likewise to protect it from 

 particles of dirt, or straw adhering to it, as also from 

 the effects of air. Then, if any portion of the cleans- 

 ing adheres to the womb, it must be removed in the 

 gentlest manner possible, lest you tear the calf-bed. 

 Then *bathe the exposed parts with diluted spirits of 

 wine, or any kind of spirits will do, if they can be 

 procured almost immediately ; if not it will signify 

 very little. As soon as the parts have been bathed, 

 endeavour to return them to their natural position by 

 the method folio win 2 : 



