THE BROOD MARE. 185 



through sympathy, or some other cause, 

 such mishaps are practically contagious. 



This not being, even in the slightest 

 degree, a veterinary work upon the horse, 

 we will leave the subject of parturition 

 entirely to the experts, merely remarking 

 that while the mare usually produces her 

 young with as little diflB.culty as any animal, 

 none seem to succumb sooner when anything 

 does go wrong. In any case, therefore, of 

 diflB.cult or protracted labour, recourse should 

 be had promptly to qualified veterinary 

 assistance. One precaution should always 

 be observed. If the mare is to foal 

 within doors, care should be taken that 

 there shall be some other mode of ingress 

 than by a door which opens (as most doors 

 do) inwards. Otherwise, if the mare should 

 go down close to the door, her weight would 

 render it impossible to be opened in case 

 of need. 



At the time of foaling the mare should 



