DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 647 



some dispute as to the means by which the seminal fluid finds 

 its way through the body and horns of the uterus, and from 

 thence through the Fallopian tube to the ovary. Probably the 

 spermatozoa, with which the seminal fluid abounds, move along 

 by themselves. Hence the Fallopian tubes must be pervious, 

 since if their lumen be closed, as has been proved by passing a 

 ligature around them, the animal is thereby rendered incapable 

 of being fertilized. The ordinary operation of spaying, i.e. the 

 simple removal of the ovaries, destroys both the desire and the 

 power of conception : whereas if an ovary be left, all other parts 

 being cut away, the animal returns to the male, notwithstanding 

 that she is sterile. 



With regard to the signs by which we know that impregna- 

 tion has taken place, it may be said that the cessation of oestrum 

 is regarded as an indication in the case of the cow, that animal 

 not returning to the male at the usual period, or refusing con- 

 nection. As the calf gradually grows inside the womb, the 

 capacity of the uterus increases, and becomes visible externally, 

 especially on the cow's right side, where, indeed, at about five 

 and a half months after impregnation, the calf may be felt. A 

 general quietude may be noticeable together with a tendency to 

 accumulate flesh, and in some animals, as for instance the mare, 

 a sluggishness during work may be manifested. The labia 

 pudejidi are swollen and flaccid and red, and the redness extends 

 into the vagina, from which a larger quantity of mucus than is 

 usual is discharged. Shortly afterwards the abdomen increases 

 in size, the loins droop, and the muscles of the croup become 

 less markedly prominent. In fact the abdomen gradually 

 becomes larger and larger, and hangs down, so to speak, and at 

 its lower portion exhibits a round appearance, with a falling-in 

 immediately beneath the bones of the loins. If one gently 

 but firmly thrusts against the animal's flank, a hard lump, 

 which in reality is the foetus, may be felt. At a later stage the 

 movements of the calf in the uterus may be seen, and the 

 mouth of the uterus may on examination be found to be 

 closed. 



As the period of labour approaches, the mammary gland 

 enlarges, the secretion of colostrum takes place within its 

 follicles, and the teats become hot and full. 



When delivery is about to be effected, the animal becomes 



