BREEDING. 



441 



The hour of labor being near at hand, a pair of light hobbles should 

 be attached to the fetlocks of both hind legs. This should be done by 

 the person in whom the animal has the greatest confidence, as the near 

 approach of a stranger, at such a moment, is very far from desirable. 

 From each hobble should proceed a stout, short rope, the ends of which 

 should unite with a longer cord. The man whom the quadruped most 

 likes should pass the longer rope through the forelegs, and, taking his 

 position near the head, he should hold the end, not so tightly as to in- 

 convenience the mare, but always so firmly as will be ready for any 

 sudden surprise. Mares are apt to be impatient on these occasions; 

 under the strong tension of agony, they will sometimes "lash out." 

 Should such be the case, the man's strength may not be powerful enough 

 to check the action ; but when aided by his voice, it may distract the 

 animal's attention, break the force of the blow, and save the veterinary 

 surgeon from any very serious injury. 



PREPARATION FOR THE EVENT. 



When the foal is bom, let it be received in the arms of the groom, and 

 with care laid upon the straw. This done, all present had better retire, 

 for the mother and its offspring may with confidence be left to nature. 

 There should be no peeping through crevices, for the eye of maternity is 

 cunning at detection. Neither should the slightest noise be permitted 

 around or near to the building, as the nerves are always morbidly ex- 



