PARTURITION, OR CALVING. 537 



cattle are more liable to it than others. How this can be 

 the case appears remarkable. 



The natural presentation of the calf is, with its head 

 and fore-feet, the muzzle resting between the feet, with the 

 back of the animal upwards. Mr. Downing, a veterinary 

 surgeon, who had much experience, enumerates seven differ- 

 ent preternatural presentations ; namely : — 



1st. Reverse, or with the tail and hind-quarters first. — 

 This position being favourable for extraction, let nature 

 take its course, but assist the animal in a speedy delivery, 

 to prevent the possibility of suffocation. Let the haunches 

 be pressed back with the palm of the hand, and seize the 

 bend of the hough of one leg, and pull it until the foot is 

 reached, which will facilitate the extraction of both feet. 



2nd. The fore-feet first, the head not being visible. — Get 

 hold of the nose or face-bone, and place the head in its 

 proper position, between the fore-legs. This requires the 

 arm of the operator to be stretched its full length, being 

 careful that the fingers are firmly fixed, so that advantage 

 may be taken of every throe, as it occurs. 



3rd. The side — belly upwards, the head being reversed 

 over one shoulder, the legs appearing. — Let the calf be 

 moved backwards by gentle pressure, and bring the head 

 forward to the legs. 



4th. The fore-feet with the head under the brisket. — Let 

 the calf be pushed back until the head is felt, then take 

 hold of the nose and pull at it, when it is certain that the 

 head is in a proper position ; but force must on no account 

 be used until it is certain that it is so. 



5th. The head alone, or with only one fore- leg accom- 

 panying it. — Push the calf back against the shoulders and 

 brisket, and the feet, or one of them, will be found folded 

 under the belly ; pull the feet forward, one at a time, while 



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