6 
Journal of Agricultural Research 
Vol. XXI, No. i 
The curve for the rectum, as in figure i, shows a fall in temperature 
during the period following the drinking of the water. Ihis drop is, 
however, more sudden and more noticeable, presumably on account of the 
greater amount of water drunk. The curve is quite uniform from 9.35 
a. m. to 2.57 p. m., when it shows again a fall in temperature till 3.55 
p. m., followed by a rise till 5.20 p. m. 
The curve for the vagina is again lower than that for the rectum. It 
shows the effect of the water a little earlier than the rectal. During their 
course the two curves meet four times. There is, in general, however, 
some resemblance between figure 1 and figure 2. 
The highest rectal temperature obtained was 102.3 0 F. at 5.20 p. m., 
while the lowest was 101.4 0 at 9 a. m. The highest vaginal temperature 
obtained was 102° at 5.20 p. m., while the lowest was 101.4 0 at 8.20 a. m. 
and at 9 a. m. 
OBSERVATIONS ON DECEMBER 3 , 1919, WITH COW 8S6 
Readings of the rectal and vaginal temperatures were taken at approxi¬ 
mately i-hour intervals from 8.10 a. m. to 11 a. m. and from 1.30 p. m. to 
jf IG> —Variations in body temperature of cow 886 on December 3, 1919. 8.10 a. m. to 4.36 p. m. At 8 
a. m. drank 13.0 kgm. of water at 55 0 F.; 8.10 a. m. to 8.54 a. m. standing; 10 a. m. immediately after 
getting up and defecating; 11 a. m. lying; 1.30 p. m. to 4.46 p. m. standing; 3.15 p. m. immediately after 
defecating; 4.36 p. m. immediately after defecating. 
4.36 p. m. The rectal and vaginal temperatures were measured simulta¬ 
neously by means of the two thermometers interchanged—that is, the 
one used on December 2 for the rectum was used here for the vagina, and 
vice versa. At 8 a. m. the cow drank 13 kgm. of water at 55 0 F. At n 
a. m. the cow was lying. During all other observations the cow was up. 
The readings at 10 a. m., 3.15 p. m., and 4.36 p. m. were taken immedi¬ 
ately after defecation. The results of these observations are given in 
figure 3. 
The curves show the dsual fall in temperature after watering and the 
rise in temperature in the afternoon. The curve for the vagina is lower 
than that for the rectum and is to a great degree parallel with it. 
The highest rectal temperature obtained was 102. 2 ° F. at 8.10 a. m. 
and 4.36 p. m., while the lowest was 101.6 0 at 10a. m. and 2.30p. m. The 
