5IO MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



the womb within twelve hours, but should they not 

 be expelled within three days, they ought to be re- 

 moved by the hand of an expert. Much force should 

 not, however, be used, as this might cause haemorrhage, 

 and endanger the life of the animal. If allowed to 

 remain long after the birth of the calf, it is apt to 

 become putrid, and mortification in the womb may 

 follow. Some cows, after they have dropped their 

 calf, and the after-birth has come away, have a pro- 

 pensity to eat the latter, which should never be per- 

 mitted, if possible. 



After a cow has calved, she should be kept in the 

 house for two days, and not allowed to drink water 

 which is quite cold ; it will also be of benefit to mix 

 a little oatmeal with the tepid water. 



REARING OF CALVES. 



Some cows will disown their progeny soon after 

 birth ; to prevent this, let a little salt be thrown over 

 the back of the calf, and the mother will speedily take 

 to licking it, and afterwards allow it to suck her. 

 If the cow inclines to horn the calf, chain her up, or if 

 she kicks it violently, tie her two hind legs together 

 with a small soft rope or strap, above the hocks. 



About an hour after birth, we would recommend 

 that the calf be allowed to suck its mother. And 

 when it is designed to wean calves, for the sake of the 

 cow's milk, the operation is commenced when they are 

 about a fortnight old, in which cases the best sub- 

 stitute for the milk is that recommended by the late 

 Duke of Northumberland, who was a zealous agri- 

 culturist. The following is the mode of preparing 

 it : — Take one gallon of skimmed milk, and to about 

 a pint of it add a tablespoonful of treacle or golden 



