296 CATTLE. 



described as divided into numerous honeycomb-formed cells (they are 

 well represented at d, p. 291,) at the base of each of which are nu- 

 merous small secretory glands, which also furnish a considerable 

 quantity of mucus. The action of this stomach consists in first con- 

 tracting upon its contents ; and, in doing this, it forms the portion 

 just received from the rumen into the proper shape for its return up 

 the oesophagus, and covers it more completely with mucus ; then, by 

 a stronger and somewhat spasmodic action, it forces the pellet between 

 the pillars at the floor of the oesophagean carJfil, where it is seized by 

 the muscles, that are so powerful at the base of the oesophagus, and 

 which extend over this part of the canal, and is conveyed to the 

 mouth. The reticulum, expanding again, receives a new portion of 

 food from the rumen, and which had been forced over the valve by 

 the convulsive action of that viscus. 



It is curious to observe the manner in whicli these acts are per- 

 formed. The cow, if lying, is generally found on her right side, in 

 order that the intestines, which are principally lodged on that side, 

 may not press upon and interfere with the action of the rumen. 

 After a pellet that has undergone the process of rumination is swal- 

 lowed, there is a pause of two or three seconds, during which the 

 cow is making a slow and deep inspiration. By means of this the 

 lungs are inflated and press on the diaphragm ; and the diaphragm 

 in its turn presses on both the rumen and the reticulum, and assists 

 their action. Suddenly the inspiration is cut short by an evident 

 spasm ; it is the forcible ejection of the pellet from the reticulum, and 

 of a fresh quantity of food over the valvular fold, to enter the reticulum 

 as soon as it expands again. This spasmodic action is immediately 

 followed by the evident passage of the ball up the oesophagus to the 

 mouth. The spiral muscles of the oesophagus, with their fibres inter- 

 lacing each other, are admirably suited to assist the ascent as well 

 as the descent of the pellet of food. 



THE DIFFICULTY OF PURGING CATTLE. 



This account of the construction and function of the rumen will 

 throw considerable light on some circumstances not a little annoying 

 to the practitioner. It has been stated that a portion of the fluid 

 swallowed usually enters the rumen, and that the quantity which ac- 

 tually enters it depends a little perhaps on the will of the animal, 

 more on the manner in which the fluid was administered, but most 

 of all on some state of the constitution over which we have no control. 

 Accordingly it happens, and not unfrequently, and particularly under 

 some diseases of an inflammatory nature, and in which physic is ira- 

 'peratively required, that although it is administered in a liquid form 

 and as gently as possible, the greater part or the whole of it enters 

 the rumen, and remains there totally inert. Dose after dose is ad- 

 ministered, until the practitioner is tired, or afraid to give more ; and, 



