458 
HUBERT T. FOOTE. 
during the hot months of June, July and August, and, though 
unattended with the best precautions and care, with a very slight 
mortality following. There is no doubt but that the cows would 
convalesce much quicker if they were turned out at large after 
the operation, instead of being herded or pastured where they 
would have to be driven to water every day. 
Amongst the western herds, spaying, practiced on the cows 
before they become too old, unquestionably would prove a great 
source of economy to the owners, as the old animals give an 
inferior quality of offspring, which is certainly not to the interest 
of cattle raisers constantly endeavoring to better the quality of 
their stock; and, again, a large number of cows are now allowed 
to bear calves until they are so old that they are carried off by 
the severe storms of the winter in that country, while those that 
are sent to market bring only an inferior price, and supply an in¬ 
ferior meat. From this it is readily seen that there is an enormous 
loss annually from the non-castration of these ranch cows; for 
these western herds number in the millions; but from the present 
meagre statistics of cattle in this country, it is impossible to 
arrive at any approximate figures. 
To the farmer the operation would also prove a saving. Such 
of his cows as are becoming old, by being spayed a year before 
he intends to dispose of them, would give an increased quantity 
of milk during the last year, and would bring a higher price when 
taken to market. It probably would not be to the farmer’s ad¬ 
vantage to have the operation performed on his young cows for 
the superior milking qualities derived therefrom, for the calves 
which the cows in a natural state would annually bring forth, 
would be of more value to him; unless, of course, he had a ready 
market for dairy products. 
In dairies, the spaying of cows has proved to be of paramount 
value. Here, the animals giving a largely increased quantity of 
milk, of superior quality, lasting several years, after which they 
are of a higher market value, a handsomely increased revenue is 
afforded to the owners. 
In some very carefully figured estimates, compiled by Mons. 
Charlier about a quarter of a century ago, he showed the annual 
