374 FARMING FOR LADIES. [chap, xix, 



it ever been known to injure the health. 

 The calf is also invigorated by the cordial 

 warmth imparted to it by the act of licking. 



When the calf is so far enlivened by the 

 licking of its dam as to begin sucking, the 

 navel-string should be examined ; and, should 

 it continue to bleed, a ligature should be 

 tied round it at a little distance from the 

 belly. Should the spot where the division of 

 the cord took place be found unusually sore, 

 in that case Mr. Youatt recommends a pled- 

 get of tow, well wetted with Friar's Balsam, 

 to be placed over it, confined with a bandage, 

 which should be changed every morning and 

 night : " but the caustic applications that are 

 so frequently resorted to, should be avoided," 



The calf, even if intended to be taken from 

 her, should be allowed to suck her for at least 

 two or three days, or even a week or fortnight, 

 so as to draw off all that thick, mucous, species 

 of milk — or "beestings" — which is produced 

 on calving, and seems as if intended for the 

 first aliment of the newly-born creature ; as 

 well, also, as to prevent any tendency to in- 

 flammation in the udder, which is much di- 

 minished by the frequent sucking of the calf. 



