CATTLE, TIIEIR DISEAS33. 249 
tial part of the egg, it is evident that when this contains two of these 
masses, they ought, if fecundated, to produce two embryos. 
In the first case, as Saint Cyr points out, each feetus has ordinarily all 
its annexes distinct and completely independent ; or it may be that the 
two charions are fused together, in which circumstance the two foetuses 
will then have a common envelope. In the second hypothesis, this fusion 
of the charions appears to be the rule, although the envelopes may also 
be independent; and in the third' case — that of the two vitelluses contained 
in the same vitelline membrane — not only the envelopes but also the 
foetuses may become united more or less closely and thus give rise to 
double monsters. 
Finally, it is also possible that two ovules may become detached from 
the ovarian cluster, though not simultaneously, but successively, and be 
fecundated, one after another, at two successive copulations within a 
brief period. Occurrences of this kind are by no means rare, yet have 
been wrongly adduced as instances of superfoetutioii. 
What to Do During Gestation. 
As a rule the cow should be dried about the sixth or seventh month 
when stock breeding is the object. When milk and not calves is the 
object the flow may be continued to within six. weeks of calving. 
Grazing should always be allowed as much as possible, the exercise 
and grass both being favorable to healthy gestation. In Winter the food 
given should be nutritive, easy of digestion, cooling, and of such quality 
as not to induce either constipation or undue laxity. Water should bo 
especially pure and plentiful, and not excessively cold ; in fact, all frozen 
food is to be avoided. Cleanliness is essential. Harsh or cruel treat- 
ment, running by dogs, all danger of fright must be avoided. Surgical 
operations and severe medication is to be avoided, especially drastics. 
Suitable diet is to be used as a regulator of the bowels ; powerful 
narcotics, sedatives, and other strong physics, if they do not impair the 
dam may imperil the life of the feetus. The veterinary anomalies in 
gestation are fully treated in Fleming’s work on Veterinary Obstetrics^ 
to which we are indebted for much valuable information. 
Births. 
As a rule in natural parturition there is nothing gained by undue hast*. 
The animal should have quiet and be left to itself so long as everything 
is going on tolerably well. In the majority of cases nature will assist 
herself to a safe delivery. A roomy stall, in Winter well warmed, should 
