VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 565 



by which means the sacking can he lowered or raised at 

 pleasure. To the sacking, also, are to be sewn strong 

 straps, both before and behind, to prevent the horse sliding 

 in either direction, without carrying the sacking with him. 

 Upon this so formed cradle he is to recline. If horses 

 when they are fresh should be placed in this machine, most 

 of them would either injure themselves, or break through 

 all restraint. However, by tying up their heads for three 

 or four nights, their spirit is destroyed. The slings may 

 then be applied without the fear of resistance : it is the 

 best method not to pull the canvas firm up, but to leave 

 about an inch between the horse's belly and the cloth, so 

 that the animal may stand free, or throw his weight into 

 the slings when he pleases. In this fashion a horse may 

 remain for months in the slings, and at the end of the time 

 display none of the wear and tear so feelingly described by 

 old authors. 



VETERINARY OBSTETRICS, 



Protracted and difficult parturition does occur in the 

 mare, when it becomes the veterinary practitioner to be au 

 fait at rendering assistance, or he will be completely under 

 the lash of the farriers around him. The principal cases 

 that occur arise either from weakness in the mare, or from a 

 disproportion between the foetus and mother. False pre- 

 sentations are also to be witnessed, but chiefly of the back 

 and croup : that of the back requires much labour, but the 

 foal is to be delivered, the hind legs being presented, without 

 turning in the womb being necessary. When either from 

 debility of the mare, or disproportion in the size of the 

 foal, a natural birth is despaired of, the practitioner having 

 introduced his arm, and having ascertained that the pre- 

 sentation is a natural one, should draw the feet gently for- 

 ward, and then endeavour to place the head between them. 

 If the head only is met with, seize it by the muzzle and 

 draw it gently onward, searching for the feet, and drawing 

 them one after the other in the line of the head ; which 

 manipulations are, of course, only to be attempted during 

 the throes of the mother. So soon as the head and legs 

 are got near the external orifice, enclose each foot within 

 the loop of a rope ; then holding both the ends so attached, 



