avery's own farrier, 171 



thera into pastures where either the mare or colt can get 

 into the water. The mare should be carefully watched 

 at this time for fear of her wanting assistance, as is 

 sometimes the case; and after a reasonable time and 

 effort on her part, if she does not foal, you should ex- 

 amine and ascertain whether the colt is in a natural 

 position to come forth or not. The proper position is 

 the fore feet and nose foremost, and if not, place it in 

 that position, and when her throes come on, assist her by 

 gently pulling on the colt, but at no other time. In 

 protracted or difficult parturition, and where the labor 

 pains appear to be subsiding, in order to stimulate the 

 uterus to renewed and increased ^action, the ergot, or 

 spurred rye, may be given her in doses of a teaspoonfull 

 of the powder once an hour until it produces the desired 

 effect. But no other force should be used than that 

 stated above, unless it is in extreme cases. This powder 

 should be given her in a warm and strong tea, made by 

 steeping the leaves of the common red raspberry in 

 water. There is still another reason for watching the 

 mare at the time of parturition, which, perhaps, it will 

 not be amiss to state. The colt is often foaled with the 

 blanket (as it is commonly called) whole, or as I have 

 sometimes seen it completely covering its head, and un- 

 less it is immediately removed either by the mare or the 

 struggles of the colt (and sometimes he has not the 

 strength to do it), he very soon strangles and dies unless 

 saved by some one in attendance. 



Colts, the first week of their existence, need watching 

 and care, as they are sometimes foaled before parturition is 

 matured, in which case the front teeth often need to be cut 



