When force is employed in the removal of the fetus it should be steady, regular, and continuous. Jerky and spasmodic traction avails but little, and may be actually injurious both to the dam and offspring. The effort, when commenced, should be sustained, and increased steadily with each throe or labour pain, so that the outward force and the inward force shall continue and operate simultaneously. Until the head has passed through the vulva the pull should be directly backwards, then ■slightly inclined downwards so as to prevent the withers jamming against the upper boundary of the pelvic outlet. As the shoulders pass through the pelvic outlet the resistance will be very considerably increased. To overcome it a pull should be taken slightly to one side and then to the other, and the same alternation of movement may be practised when the hips drag in the passage.

Where the case is protracted and signs of exhaustion appear in the mare, the efforts must be sustained by the administration of stimulants and a short rest. The necessity for this may be frequently avoided where plenty of force is provided early, while the mare is fresh and full of energy. Many mares are annually sacrificed from neglect of this precaution, and veterinary surgeons rightly complain that delivery is frequently rendered impossible, and the life of the mare jeopardized by the " pulling about" she suffers, for want of sufficient well-directed force at the outset.