d 1 to 1-1/2 broad. Only the middle portion is sharp, the
projecting corners are blunt, and the sides rounded. This instrument is
used for slitting up the skin of a limb and as a bone chisel when it is
necessary to mutilate the fetus in order to effect delivery.

* * * * *

[Illustration: PLATE XVIII.
ABNORMAL POSITION OF CALF IN UTERO.
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND SUTURES.]

[Illustration: PLATE XIX.
MONSTROSITIES.]

[Illustration: PLATE XX.
INSTRUMENTS USED IN DIFFICULT LABOR.]

[Illustration: PLATE XXI.
INSTRUMENTS USED IN DIFFICULT LABOR.]

* * * * *

PLATE XXI. Instruments used in difficult labor.

Fig. 1. Embryotome, an instrument used when it is necessary to reduce the
size of the fetus by cutting away certain parts before birth can be
effected. This instrument may be long or short, straight or curved.

Fig. 2. Also an embryotome. The blade can be made to slide out of or into
the handle. The instrument can thus be introduced into or withdrawn from
the genital passage without risk of injury to the mother.

Fig. 3. Schaack's traction cord. This is merely a cord with a running noose
at one end and a piece of wood at the other, to offer a better hold for the
hand.

Figs. 4_a_ and 4_b._ Reuff's head collar for securing the head of the
fetus.

Fig. 5. Curved cord-carrier, used in difficult parturition to carry a cord
into regions which can not be reached by the arm.

Fig. 6. Blunt hook, used in difficult parturition.

Fig. 7. Short hook forceps, used in difficult parturition.

Fig. 8. Blunt finger hook.

* * * * *

DISEASES FOLLOWING PARTURITION.

By James Law, F. R. C. V. S.,

_Formerly Professor of Veterinary Science, etc., in Cornell University._

FLOODING (BLEEDING FROM THE WOMB).

Though not so common in the cow as in the human female, flooding is
sufficiently frequent to demand attention. It may depend on a too rapid
calving and a consequent failure of the womb to contract when the calf has
been removed. The pregnant womb is extraordinarily rich in blood vessels,
especially in large and tortuous veins, which become compressed and almost
obliterated under contraction, but remain overfilled and often bleed into
the cavity of the womb should no contraction take place. Cox records cases
in which the labor pains had detached and expelled the fetal membranes,
while the calf, owi