128' 



calving, ought to be fed with better and more substan- 

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

 bat it must be 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 protected from being frightened 

 by dogs or raced about and worried ; and prevented 

 quarreling or hurting themseives, as they are more 

 liable to abortion than any other domestic animals. 



x\bove all, give them sufficient gentle exercise, treat 

 them kindly and soothingly, and feed Ibem with food 

 that is easy of digestion, and which contains a good 

 deal of nutriment in a small bulkj giving it them a 

 little at a time, and that little often. The approach of 

 calving is known by the cow bellowitig, the enlarge- 

 ment of the udder, the restlessness of the animal,«and 

 the falling of the flank and croup. The cow should 

 then be constantly watched, that she may have assist- 

 ance if necessary, at the lime of calving. 



When the calf is presented with the head and fore 

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

 termed a natural position ; all others are unnatural and 

 require assistance. When the waters are broke, and 

 the head is, but neither or only one of the fore feet 

 presented, lay hold of the calf's head, and wait till 

 the throes are off, then gently push it back, and rectify 

 the feet and assist them to come with ihe head, but 

 use no force to draw out the calf. 



When the calf is properly cleaned by the animal's 

 licking it, or a clean linen cloth, let the naval siring 

 be tied with a waxed thread several times round, about 

 two inches from the body 5 secure it with a double 

 knot, and with a pair of scissors, clip it ofi* a little be- 

 low the tied part. 



Let it suck the first milk — this will cleanse the bow- 

 els, and prevent costiveness. 



Let it suck three months ; let its food be easy of 

 digestion, and give it plenty of skimmed milk. Keep 

 it very clean, and let it have gentle exercise. 



