148 THE PERFECT HORSE. 



the fever. If necessary, milk away a considerable 

 amount; but do not milk her upon the ground, but 

 into a pan or basin. Some mares make milk too soon 

 and too fast, but not ordinarily. The rule is, that the 

 foal will be delivered within twenty-four hours from the 

 time when milk, or a milky secretion, first shows itself 

 on the teats. For a month previous to the date of 

 foaling, handle her bag and teats, by which she will 

 become famihar with your touch, and not dread the 

 nose of the foal, as some mares, if not thus educated, do. 

 When all is done that you can do, let her alone. Nature 

 in parental exercises loves seclusion, and enjoys silence 

 and secrecy. You should visit the stall from time to 

 time ; but be very quiet in your movements, and do not 

 hang round the stall as some inquisitive grooms will. 

 Treated in this discreet manner, ninety-nine mares out 

 of a hundred will deliver their foals safely. When the 

 foal is born, help it to its feet, and assist it to its mother. 

 Be very gentle in your movements, and caress the dam. 

 Some mares, especially young ones, are unnatural at 

 first, and will not own the little thing; but patience and 

 kindness on your part will soon prevail. It is Avell to 

 give the dam half a bucketful of warm gruel, made 

 thin ; and, soon after this, a warm bran or oatmeal mash. 

 If it is cold, and the foal shivers, wrap it in a warm 

 flannel sheet ; and, in cases of emergency, give it a table- 

 spoonful of wine, or brandy even ; but if brandy, be 

 sure and dilute it well. In a few days the dam will 

 have recovered from whatever organic disturbance she 



