370 FARMING FOR LADIES, [chap. six. 



600— were between the 279th and the 291st 

 days. 



Symptoms of pregnancy are, in its early 

 stage, very unsatisfactory, and it is not until 

 an enlargement of the belly takes place, be- 

 tween the third and fourth month after con- 

 ception, that any common observer can be 

 certain of the fact ; but if the calf be come to 

 life, it can be ascertained by pressing with 

 the hand upon the off flank, and the foetus 

 will strike against it. When it has occurred, 

 no alteration need be made in the manage- 

 ment of the animal until a month or two 

 before she may be expected to drop her calf. 

 When the time of parturition approaches, it 

 would, however, be well, if she be then in high 

 condition, to have her bled, and slightly phy- 

 sicked with a moderate dose of salts, to pre- 

 vent febrile excitement ; and, two or three 

 days before the time arrives, she should be 

 placed alone, either in a roomy well-littered 

 shed, if the weather be cold, or, if it be sum- 

 mer, in a separate paddock. 



The indications of labour being about to 

 take place, are accurately described by Youatt 

 to consist in " the springing of the udder," or 



