144 PRETERNATURAL PRESENTATION OP THE HEAD. 
it were, into the emptied cavities of the abdomen and chest, 
permitted of comparatively an easy delivery of the remains 
of the foal, which proved to be one of more than an average 
size. A malformation of the head was found to exist, so that 
it never would have been worth anything had we succeeded 
in extracting it alive. 
The mare recovered quickly, and was at light work within 
fourteen days. She is still in the possession of Mr. Young, 
who refused to part with her a few days ago for fifty pounds; 
a good proof that she had suffered no damage in her difficult 
labour. 
The above case may be taken for an answer to Mr. Calley’s 
first question. 
As to the second , I would merely observe that there are 
different instruments for breaking down the head. I use 
them when required. 
Third question . I never found a need of tincture of 
opium. I give mouthfuls of cold water, and sometimes 
stimulants. It is often folly to think of turning a foal or even a 
calf until some portion of it is first removed. 
Fourth query. All means ought to be tried before ordering 
the animal to be destroyed. 
CASE OF PRETERNATURAL PRESENTATION OF 
THE HEAD, IN WHICH DELIVERY WAS AC¬ 
COMPLISHED WITHOUT INJURY TO THE 
MARE OR FOAL. 
Bv Andrew Balfour, M.R.C.Y.S., Balweary Cottage, by 
Kirkcaldy, N.B. 
Animal obstetricy has not hitherto engaged the attention 
of veterinary surgeons to the extent which the importance of 
the subject demands. Such a consideration renders it un¬ 
necessary for me to make any prefatory explanation in 
requesting a place in your widely circulated journal for the 
following interesting case of difficult parturition arising from 
preternatural position of the head. And I feel the more 
called on to elicit professional investigation, in consequence 
of the publication of Mr. Calley ; s case in your number for 
November last, as it presents in its history many practical 
bearings similar to my own. Both of these cases involve ques¬ 
tions in reference to the treatment to be had recourse to, and 
