THE LAMBING TIME. 133 



The false or abnormal positions may be thus enumerated. 

 They all have one common character namely, variation from 

 the normal position above indicated. These variations are 

 either precisely defined in the list now to be given of false 

 presentations, or are modified by some slight complication or 

 peculiarity. They are, then, as follows : 



First. One fore-leg only presented with the head lying 

 upon it. In this case it is difficult for a ewe to lamb without 

 help. The operator will endeavour to get hold of the missing 

 limb, and, bringing it forward into its proper position, deliver 

 the ewe. The best manner of doing this we shall consider 

 after passing in review the principal abnormal presentations. 



Second. Both fore-legs lying back, the head alone being 

 presented. In this position the ewe must have assistance, as 

 birth without it is impossible. The head must be pushed 

 back, the legs brought forward, and the lamb extracted. 



Third. The head slipped down between, or on one side of 

 the fore-legs. This must be set right by bringing the head 

 into its natural position above the fore-legs, and extracting 

 the lamb. 



Fourth. A broadside presentation, in which case the broad 

 side of the lamb is found within the uterus, and of course no 

 progress can be made until the hand and forearm of the 

 operator are introduced, and the foetus is turned and brought 

 into position. 



Fifth. The foetus on its back, in which case a similar mani- 

 pulation must be employed as in the last case. 



Sixth. A breech presentation. If the hocks are doubled, 

 the breech of the lamb must be pushed forward and the hind- 

 feet brought up. The lamb is then pulled away backwards 

 without turning. 



Seventh. The foetus too large, or the passage too small. 

 This is a troublesome case, sometimes involving the loss of 

 the lamb and occasionally of the ewe. Shepherds sometimes 

 are obliged to carefully introduce a knife and cut off the 

 shoulders and remove the foetus piecemeal. More commonly 



