THE DAM. 149 



may have undergone, and be well. Nine or fifteen 

 days after foaling, she should be stinted to the horse 

 again ; for then she is quite sure to conceive again. 



This, in brief, is the order of procedure at this critical 

 and often anxious period in the breeder's experience. 

 The foal should be presented, in the act of delivery, 

 head-foremost, and resting on the forward-legs as a dog 

 lies often when asleep. . This is the natural way ; and, 

 when so presented, have no fears. If the head should 

 be doubled under, or only one leg come forth, then 

 man's help is needed. Having dipped his hand in warm 

 water or oil, the groom should take hold of the part 

 that is visible, and gently and very sloivly push the 

 foal back until room is made for Nature to correct what 

 is in fault. If the mare still labors in vain, and a more 

 serious displacement has occurred, send for a veterinary 

 surgeon ; or, if no such assistance is at hand, then do the 

 best you can. Circumstances alter cases ; and no gen- 

 eral written directions will avail. But if the mare is 

 healthy, and has been well treated, the breeder has Httle 

 to fear ; and the chances are a hundred to one that all 

 will go well, and the foal be safely delivered. 



Now that the foal is born of known and noble par- 

 entage and shapely, let the breeder ''rejoice and be 

 exceeding glad." The most desirable form of property, 

 as I conceive, has been added to his estate. To his 

 care and skill some man shall be indebted for a most 

 useful servant and noble companion. By his enter- 

 prise he has put the world under obligation to him, in 



