DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 331 



hand is the only safe and proper method for its 

 removal. The operation is simple. See that the 

 finger nails are short so that they will not wound 

 the soft parts, then oil the hand and introduce it 

 into the womb ; carefully separate the afterbirths 

 from its connections with the cotyledons; then 

 wash out the womb with warm water, in which 

 a little carbolic acid has been well mixed. Half an 

 ounce of the acid to a pail of water. In order to 

 have the acid thoroughly mixed put the acid in a 

 bottle of water and shake up well, then put it into 

 the pail. A good large syringe is the best means 

 to inject the water into the womb. In the absence 

 of a syringe a sponge or piece of soft muslin will 

 answer. After a few days if there is a discharge 

 of a foul-smelling matter from the vagina it will 

 be necessary to wash out the womb again with 

 warm water and carbolic acid as before. Also give 

 the cow a dose of physic. The best is Epsom salts 

 one to one and a half pounds dissolved in a half 

 gallon of cold water; also put a couple of tea- 

 spoonfuls of ground ginger in it. After the physic 

 has operated then give the following in food twice 

 daily: Sulphate of iron two ounces, pulverized 

 gentian two ounces, mix and divide into twelve 

 doses, one to be given morning and night in bran 

 mash until all are taken. This quantity can be 

 repeated if necessary. If the animal should get 

 into a weakened condition from the effects of de- 

 leterious materials absorbed from the womb dur- 

 ing the decomposition of the afterbirth, which 

 sometimes takes place, the symptoms are: Com- 



