118 THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. BOOK i. 



superior shape, but yet of a suitable size, and to couple them with 

 females nearly as large, if not larger. The nearer the complementary 

 qualities of both approach to perfection, the better will it be for their 

 progeny ; but it is material that, even in their best points, there should 

 not be too great a disparity. Gradual improvements will always be 

 followed by certain ultimate success, while violent attempts to effect a 

 sudden change will invariably disappoint expectation. 



The most advantageous time, generally speaking, for a, cow to take 

 the bull is, from the commencement of May until the middle or close 

 of July, so that she may calve in January, or not later than March or 

 April ; and as it is in most places a matter of considerable importance 

 to have a uniform supply of milk throughout the year, it would prove 

 a source of profit, to a farmer possessing a considerable number of 

 cows, so to arrange the routine of breeding as to have three or more 

 cows dry at all times. 



But cows may and do calve at all seasons of the year. Hereford 

 breeders generally contrive that their cows shall calve about Christmas 

 or a little before. The Highland breeds are arranged so as to 

 calve about April, or early in May. Heifers should calve about this 

 time, as the spring grass is very beneficial to their milk ; older cows 

 may calve early in the autumn. In short, it is a matter for the con- 

 sideration and convenience of the farmer, and not one on which special 

 rules can be laid down. 



The period of time during which cows are allowed to run dry pre- 

 viously to calving is by no means settled. By some farmers they are 

 recommended to be laid dry when they are about five or six months 

 gone with calf; but repeated and successful experiments prove that 

 six weeks or two months are sufficient for this purpose ; indeed, cows 

 kept in good condition are sometimes milked until within a fortnight 

 of calving. This, however, is a practice not to be recommended ; for 

 if the cow springs before she is dry, serious injury may ensue. 



The usual symptoms of the approach of parturition are springing, 

 increased size of the udder ; also enlargement of the bearing, and a 

 glairy discharge from it ; a sinking or leanness between the udder and 

 the bearing, a decided depression on each side of the rump-bone, with 

 evident uneasiness, and sometimes repeated moaning. Waxy matter on 

 the teats is also a sign of approaching labour. The cow becomes more 

 and more restless lying down and rising again, often looking towards 

 her hind parts, and frequently lowing at intervals. She must then be 

 supplied with plenty of litter, to protect the calf from injury. To a 

 certain extent, also, she must be watched ; in other respects, every- 

 thing is left to nature. Some cows bring forth standing, and others 

 lying down. 



In general the cow conceives after once taking the bull ; but, if she 

 should chance to fail, she should be put to the bull the next time she 

 conies in season (or " heat," or " use," as it is variously termed), and 

 so on till she settles to the service. 



The desire of having a full supply of calves has induced many breeders 

 to have recourse to artificial means, in order to make cows take the 



