606 
STRANGULATED VENTRAL HERNIA. 
Some difference of opinion is entertained as to the com¬ 
parative merits of this variety and red clover for the depas¬ 
turing of sheep; it being affirmed by many growers that 
sheep will leave any other kind of grass or clover to feed on 
the Alsike, whilst others consider that its principal merit 
consists in its succeeding so well on cloversick soils, its 
perennial habit and fibrous root being so dissimilar to the red 
or white clover. Where it has been grown, it has invariably 
been found an excellent preparation for wheat; and we have 
no doubt it will shortly become sown quite as extensively as 
either red or white clover, and prove a most valuable acqui¬ 
sition to our artificial grasses. The more it becomes known, 
the greater will be its cultivation; the high price that the 
seed has previously borne and its scarcity have hitherto pre¬ 
vented its more extended use .—Mark Lane Exjpress, 
CASE OF STRANGULATED VENTRAL HERNIA. 
By A. J. OwLEs, V.S., General Staff, Aldershot. 
Sept. 3rd.—At 5.30 p.m. I was called to see a mare 
wffiich was said to have injured herself by jumping across a 
wattle hurdle. The accident occurred at 1 o^clock, but as 
the injury was considered only trifling, I was not sent for 
at once. 
Symptoms ^—Mare down, evincing pain, and frequently 
looking round at her flank; pulse about 60, small and hard; 
respiration disturbed. On examining the nature of the in¬ 
jury, I found a small punctured wound to exist close in front, 
and to the near side of the mamma, with a swelling ex¬ 
tending backwards and upwards from it. On introducing 
my finger the swelling proved to be caused by intestine. 
No internal opening could be felt. The hobbles were sent 
for, which, however, did not arrive till 7.30 p.m., the mare 
continuing in pain the whole time. She W'as at once secured 
with the hobbles and placed on her back, and I introduced 
my finger through the external opening to discover the seat 
of the rupture, which was found to be in the direction of 
the swelling, and about four inches from the wound in the 
skin. I tried to reduce the hernia by manipulation, but 
without success; the external opening was then enlarged, so 
as to admit my hand, and efforts were again made to return 
the gut; but failing in this, and finding the stricture was not 
