250 
HiLiUSTKATpD STOCK DOCTOR. 
be provided with rather thin but compact bedding. In Summer, or other 
mild weather, let the cow be out-of-doors by all means ; in a small gras# 
lot is best. 
Prolonged Labor. 
When the labor is prolonged from excessive size of the foetus, and 
this is suspected beforehand, or if time do not press and there is n* 
special excitement in the cow, and there is delay in the descent of the 
calf, oil the hand and arm and feel for the neck of the womb in the 
vagina. If it be rigid carry extract of belladonna up the vagina and 
smear the neck of the womb for a few times. This should cause relax- 
ation of the pails. If the time is passing carry a narrow-bladed, 
blunt-pointed knife in the hand in the vagina ; find the mouth of the 
womb with the forefinger, slip the knife along the finger until it enters 
the neck of the womb about a quarter of an inch, and make a slight 
cut in all four sides of the neck by turning the knife. A slight nicking 
will suffice, since the mouth once loosened in its contraction, the neck 
will give way, and the bag of water will accomplish the rest. The utmost 
care is needed in such work, however. 
Large Presentation. 
'Sometimes the calf is so large that the muscular efforts of the cow 
can not force the mass forward. In this case do not resort to strong 
means until all others fail. Let a small-handed man introduce both 
hands, well oiled, up the vagina, carefully working forward beside the 
calf, gradually pressing apart the orifice ; pass closely to the calf with 
the hands, and as the pains commence, pull forward as strongly by 
pressure against the foetus. When a main effort is made pull forward, 
and at the same time slip the hands slowly back, and the calf will often 
follow. Repeat this again and again as the pains are renewed. Wo 
have never failed in but one case in so delivering the calf, and in this 
case the calf had to be dissected in the body. This no person unskilled 
in surgery should attempt. 
Unnatural Positions of the Calf. 
These are various, and, except in the six cases we mention, and in the 
order of their frequency, resort should be had to a veterinary surgeon. 
The following manner of relief is endorsed by various reliable and well- 
known authorities : 
Unnatural Positwns of the calf. The 
natural position of the calf oa 
