knife {Plate XLIX., fi^s. 1 and 7) must be introduced and carried as 

 far on to the shoulder as possible, and then the skin should be cut 

 and divided down the whole length of the limb to the fetlock. Previous 

 to cutting, a cord ought to be fixed round the pastern joint, which an 

 assistant should pull steadily outward. The skin is next detached from 

 the shank-bone and secured by a small cord ; then with the fingers the 

 skin is separated from the rest of the limb, up and well over the 

 shoulder, as far as can be reached. The knife is again introduced, 

 and the muscles between the shoulders and the body (pectorals) are 

 divided. Strong traction is then applied to the rope round the fetlock 

 or above the knee, when the limb generally comes away. The head may 

 then be got into position, but if this is not yet possible, the other fore- 

 limb must be removed in like manner, when the foetus loses its support, 

 and drops into the bottom of the womb, thus allowing the head to be 

 got round by means of hooks and cords, after which delivery follows. 



769. Plate XLIII., fig. 7. — Both fore-legs are presented, and the 

 head is thrown back on to the hind-quarter — a very common occurrence 

 in the mare, — the bones of the face of the foetus being developed to 

 correspond with the convexity of the quarter. The feet are usually 

 seen outside the vulva, but only the tips of the ears can be reached. 

 In this case the operator should waste no time in trying to turn the 

 head round, but proceed at once to remove the fore-legs, and turn the 

 head as already described in the preceding case. This last presentation, 

 in the mare, I consider one of the most formidable to be met with. 



770. Plate XLIII., fig. 8, represents the foetus on its back, with 

 the ears and back of the head presented, and the feet back. This is 

 most readily put right by casting the patient, rolling it on to its back, 

 elevating the quarters with trusses of straw, and bringing the head of 

 the fcetus round by hooks or cords {Plate XLIX, figs. 5 and 6), when 

 the feet may be placed in position by the hands or secured with ropes. 



771. Plate XLIV., fig g, is a presentation with the hind-legs 

 coining in proper position for delivery, and this may take place without 

 any inconvenience to mother or offspring, but in many cases where 

 the foitus is large it dies in the birth. 



