370 
ON BREEDING. 
period, varying* in different animals, being in the large kind a 
process of much longer duration than in the smaller. The human 
foetus is supposed to be elaborated in the course of five or six 
weeks; and the greatest part of its structure is most probably 
perfected in a much shorter period. The horse foetus is probably 
elaborated in the course of six or seven weeks. We possess an 
embryo in our museum, about seven weeks old, contained in an 
ounce vial, which is perfectly formed in all its parts, head, limbs, 
and trunk; so that, diminutive as it is, we are ready to acknow¬ 
ledge it for our companion, our friend, and as one that 
“ Holds a rank 
Important in the plan of Him who framed 
This scale of beings; holds a rank which, lost. 
Would break the chain, and leave behind a gap 
Which Nature’s self would rue.” 
The term of gestation also varies in different auimals, being a 
process of much longer duration in the larger animals than in 
the smaller kind. In the elephant, it occupies a period of two 
years ; in the horse, about eleven months; whilst in the Guinea- 
pig it lasts only three weeks. 
The mare is supposed to carry her first foal longer than the 
succeeding. She brings forth in a standing position, generally 
by night, or very early in the morning. Indeed, it is a rare 
circumstance to see a mare cast her foal. Few animals, are 
exposed to such little danger at birth. It is an extraordinary in¬ 
stance to hear of a mare producing twin colts; and we believe 
there never was an instance known of her bringing both forth 
alive. 
Uterine gestation continues until the young one is protected 
at birth by a covering of hair ; has eyes to see, and ears to hear, 
and limbs fitted to execute the p urpose of locomotion. The du¬ 
ties of the mother at this period are, consequently, few in num¬ 
ber, and easily executed. Her cradle is of the simplest kind, the 
young animal requiring only to be licked dry ; and if it be sup¬ 
plied with milk, it is able, in a day or two, to frisk about its 
birth-place; and in a short time vies with, and even excels, the 
mother in speed. On the approach of parturition, which is indi¬ 
cated a few days previous by an enlargement of the udder, the 
appearance of milk, and the swollen state of the matrix, it be¬ 
comes the duty of the breeder to place the mare in such a situa¬ 
tion as will ensure the safety of the young one. There are al¬ 
ways numerous situations on every farm where the climate is 
milder and less exposed than others. “ Sheltered places, bo¬ 
soms, nooks and bays,” which may be appropriated to the mares 
with foals. And in cases where a valuable colt is expected, it 
