SHEATH AXD YAED. 1025 



Foulness of the Sheath and Yard. 



In geldings the penis becomes diminished considerably in size, 

 and, from want of the sexual desire, seldom protrude it without 

 its covering, the sheath, consequently tlie sebaceous secretion of 

 the glands in the prepuce accumulate, forming a black soft foetid 

 substance, with a strong persistent mic odour. This sometimes 

 becomes irritating, and gives rise to uneasiness, and should be oc- 

 casionally washed out with warm water, and a soft sponge, tak- 

 ing care not to scratch or bruise the inner surface, as troublesome 

 swellings sometimes ensue. 



More trouble, however, arises from the accumulation of little 

 round "beans," (as horsemen call them,) of a soft clayish appear- 

 ance, in the cavity in the head of the penis, surrounding the end 

 of the urethra; sometiiues obstructing the passage of the urine, by 

 pi-essing on the urethra, or even stopping up the orifice itself, giv- 

 ing rise to difficultv in stalino-, and uneasiness. 



The sheath .should be washed out with soap and water, and 

 the hand, well oiled, should be passed up, and the penis drawn 

 out, when the accumulation should be removed, taking care not to 

 scratch oi- Ijruise the parts. 



Parturition or Foaling. 



The period of gestation in the mare varies from eleven to thir- 

 teen months. Usually about ten days before foaling she begins 

 to " make bag," the udder enlarges, and a thin milky fluid can be 

 drawn from the teats, and a glairy discharge escapes from the 

 vagina, giving warning that the foal is about to be dropped. 

 When the time approaches, she becomes uneasy, getting up and 

 down frequently. Presently the true labour pains begin, the 

 womb contracts on its contents, assisted by the diaphragm and 

 abdominal muscles; the whole body is convulsed with the effort; 

 the mouth of the womb becomes dilated ; the water-bag appears 

 and bursts ; and when the presentation is natural, a few efforts 

 force it out — sometimes enclosed in the hiembranes, which must 

 be immediately removed ; and if the cord does not give way itself, 

 it being sometimes thick and strong, a ligature should be put on 

 it about four inches from the belly, and the remainder cut away. 

 In general, mares are best left to themselves at this important 



85 



