42 Tlie Practical Stud Groom. 



miles during her period of restlessness, and the straw bed 

 was ground by her hoofs into chaff in a well-defined circular 

 pathway. 



From the foregoing it will be gathered that much 

 depends on the idiosyncrasy of each individual mare as to 

 the length of this prelude to laying down to foal in earnest. 

 During the actual foaling process there are short spasms of 

 straining and heaving to expel the foal. First appears the 

 end of the membraneous sac in which the foal is enclosed, 

 then the fore feet, followed by the nose and knees, each series 

 of spasms bringing forth head, neck, shoulders, and finally 

 the entire body. It reads simplicity itself, yet in no other 

 of the stud groom's manifold duties is he called upon to 

 exercise the same coolness, calculated judgment, and prompt 

 action. Experience and intelligence alone will teach him 

 when to act swiftly, and when to wait patiently and 

 confidently. 



The accompanying illustrations will give a useful idea 

 of the anatomy of the mare's generative organs and pelvis. 

 It will readily be understood that the neck of the womb 

 (Os Uteri), the vagina, and vulva being constructed of tissue 

 possessing great elasticity, will render the least resistance 

 to the passage of the foal when they are unimpeded by 

 accumulations of fat. The pelvis, being a semi-solid hoop 

 of bone, constitutes the whole crux of the matter. Once the 

 deepest part of the foal's body, that is from top of the 

 withers to elbow, is through this, the most constricted, part 

 of the passage, the rest is comparatively easy. 



FOALING OPERATIONS. 



Having thus briefly explained the principles of the sub- 

 ject, the practice to be followed during foaling may now be 

 considered. When the " water-bag," or membraneous sac, 



