rM ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTOR. 



to Iv the right time. Whenever indications of heat are discovered, th» 

 matter should not be dehiyed, as the season may pass off and not return. 

 After putting, the days of trial are the ninth, then, if she refuses, the 

 •eventh after this, and upon a second refusal, the fifth after this, which 

 is sutficient to prove her. 



vn. How to Know Whether a Mare is in PoaL 



It is often important for both breeders and traders to know whether x 

 mtire is really in foal : and one wTiter has published the following direc- 

 tions for determining this point, which he says may be implicitly relied on : 



'•After the first service of the horse, and before the next trial, on ex- 

 suuininjx the vagina, or bearing, if conception has not taken place it will 

 be of a fresh, bright, or florid and moist appearance, with a clear drop 

 appearing: at the lower part, and which, if touched, will mcline to extend : 

 but if conception is present, a different appearance of the surface of the 

 vaeina will be presented. It ^\t11 be found dry. and of a dirty broAvn or 

 rust color : and a dark, brown looking drop will replace the former clear 

 di-op. "NMien these latter appearances are present, pregnancy may be re- 

 garded as certain." 



Vm. How to Know Time of Foaling. 



Two days, (in some mares only one), before foaling, a sort of sticky 

 «ibstance will be found protruding from each teat, somewhat resembling 

 drops of milk. Care should now be taken to provide a suitable place for 

 her, as this is a certain indication of near delivery. She should be 

 removed from other animals, and a careful person should see to her often 

 enough to guard against accidents. 



Before the signs referred to, as shown by the teats, however, there is 

 cfci each side of the spinal column, from the tail to the haunch, a furrow- 

 like fold ; and the bag will generally be found considerably increased in 

 size. These signs show that deliver^' is not very remote, but cannot be 

 relied on to denote the day. 



rX. Abortion, or Slinking the Foal. 



When about half the time of pregnancy is passed, more than ordinary 

 pains should be taken with the mare, as it is at this time, if at all, that 

 •he is apt to slink. She ought now to have better feeding, and even 

 gentler handling than she had pre\-iously ; though at all times the o\vner 

 but consults his own interests when he carefully guards her against ill 

 wsasre. She has more need of food, and is less able, at this time, to 

 «(idure hunger, as the rapid growth of the foetus makes a constant and 



