PARTURITION, OR CALVING. 
537 
cat+le are more liable to it than others. How this can be 
the case appears remarkable. 
The natural presentation of the calf is, with its head 
and fore-feet, the muzzle resting between the feet, with the 
back of the animal upwards. Mr. Downing, a veterinary 
surgeon, who had much experience, enumerates seven differ¬ 
ent preternatural presentations ; namely :— 
1st. Reverse, or with the tail and hind-quarters first.—— 
This position being favourable for extraction, let nature 
take its course, but assist the animal in a speedy delivery, 
to prevent the possibility of suffocation. Let the haunches 
be pressed back with the palm of the hand, and seize the 
bend of the hough of one leg, and pull it until the foot is 
reached, which will facilitate the extraction of both feet. 
2nd. The fore-feet first, the head not being visible.—Get 
hold of the nose or face-bone, and place the head in its 
proper position, between the fore-legs. This requires the 
arm of the operator to be stretched its full length, being 
careful that the fingers are firmly fixed, so that advantage 
may be taken of every throe, as it occurs. 
3rd. The side—belly upwards, the head being reversed 
over one shoulder, the legs appearing.—Let the calf be 
moved backwards by gentle pressure, and bring the head 
forward to the legs. 
4th. The fore-feet with the head under the brisket.—Let 
the calf be pushed back until the head is felt, then take 
hold of the nose and pull at it, when it is certain that the 
head is in a proper position ; but force must on no account 
be used until it is certain that it is so. 
5th. The head alone, or with only one fore-leg accom¬ 
panying it.—Push the calf back against the shoulders and 
brisket, and the feet, or one of them, will be found folded 
under the belly; pull the feet forward, one at a time, while 
