MANAGEMENT OF DAIRY CATTLE 235 



along the right side of the vagina and womb, letting the 

 membranes slide through his palm until he reaches the first 

 cotyledon to which they remain adherent. In case no such 

 connection is within reach, gentle traction is made on the mem- 

 branes with the left hand until the deeper parts of the womb 

 are brought within reach and the attachments to the cotyle- 

 dons can be reached. Then the soft projection of the mem- 

 brane, which is attached to the firm, fungus-shaped cotyledon 

 on the inner surface of the womb, is seized by the little finger, 

 and the other fingers and thumb are closed on it so as to tear 

 it out from its connections. To explain this it is only neces- 

 sary to say that the projection from the membrane is covered 

 by soft conical processes, which are received into cavities 

 of a corresponding size on the summit of the firm mushroom- 

 shaped cotyledon growing from the inner surface of the womb. 

 To draw upon the former, therefore, is to extract its soft vil- 

 lous processes from within the follicles or cavities of the other. 

 If it is at times difficult to start this extraction, it maybe neces- 

 sary to get the fingernail inserted between the two, and once 

 started the finger may be pushed on, lifting all the villi in turn 

 out of their cavities. This process of separating the cotyle- 

 dons must be carefully conducted, one after another, until the 

 last has been detached and the afterbirth comes freely out of 

 the passages." 



Care of Cow after Calving. It should be borne in mind 

 that the vitality of the cow is low following parturition, and 

 she should be treated accordingly. She should be protected 

 from cold drafts, and in case of severe cold weather it is well 

 to cover her with a light blanket for a day or two. The 

 water given should be warmed for two or three days. The 

 ration for the first few days should be light in character and 



