PARTURITION, OR CALVING. 539 



either in the sockets of the eyes, cavity of the ears, or 

 under the jaws. Sometimes the calf is unnaturally swollen, 

 in consequence of dropsy, and thus the cow is unable to 

 give birth to it. When this is the case, it will be necessary 

 to pierce the belly of the calf with a knife, to allow the 

 water to escape. 



A popular author says, " When every other plan has 

 failed, for turning the calf, so as to put him into a favour- 

 able position for delivery, the following has often suc- 

 ceeded : — Let the cow be thrown down in a proper position, 

 and placed on her back ; then, by means of ropes and a 

 pulley attached to a beam above, let the hind parts be raised 

 up, so as to be considerably higher than the fore parts ; in 

 this position, the calf may be easily put back towards the 

 bottom of the uterus, so as to admit of being turned, or his 

 head and fore legs brought forward without difficulty." 



Mr. Lawrence, an experienced veterinarian, gives the fol- 

 lowing rules, which merit attention : — 



" 1st. Employ timely assistance before the animal is ex- 

 hausted. 



" 2nd. Extraction never to be attempted in an improper 

 position. 



" 3rd. Supple the hand and arm with warm water and 

 fresh lard. 



" 4th. Examination best made, the cow standing, and in 

 the interval of pains. 



" 5th. In pulling at the feet, inclose the claws, or hoofs, in 

 the hand, that the horn may not bruise the cow. 



" 6th. The navel-string bursting, and the usual flux of 

 blood of no consequence. 



" 7th. Instruments to be used only as the last resort, and 

 by experienced and steady persons only." 



Should it be necessary to assist the cow, the position of 



