Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1915-08-13
s++++++++++++++++
MY FIRST CASE.
(By J. c. Rickli.)

always considered that the fates serv-
ed me scurry trick in not granting
me to be a farmer. My foremost
original ambition was to come to
America and show "Uncle SAM ex-
actly how to make real genuine Swiss
cheese with those cute little cavities
glistening with briny moisture. Alas
the nearest | ever attained to a prac-
tical realization of that dream was
making bricks in Nebraska brick
yard. Such is life. We must learn
the lesson of resignation. When | was
bran new to this great country, and as
green as grass on an Oregon hillside,
in the spring time, hired out for a
few weeks to German gardener in
Westchester county not far from New
York city. In casual conversation with
my employer, Mr.. Katzenjammer, |
impressed upon him the fact that |
was a graduate of an agricultural
school Potato University in Swift
zerland and had also participated in
a course of veterinary surgery, ETC.,
never dreaming of any ultimate conse-
quences. The good man became proud
of me and fooishly told the neigh
borhood all about it.
The countryside bordering on Long
Island sound was covered by the beau
tiful estates of rich New Workers. One
fine day an elegant conveyance drove
up occupied by dignifed elderly
gentleman and some ladies. Presently
| was advised by Mr.. Katzenjammer
that my services as a veterinarian
were in immediate demand. 1t ap-
peared that an aristocratic Jersey
cow of the bluest blood, owned by
the aforesaid gentleman, had gone
wrong that morning and was in bad
way. As soon as | somewhat recov
cred from the shock | endeavored to
back out on various grounds, but
without avail. The party happened
to be one of the most liberal custom
ers of my employer and the latter re-
peatedly said: "Karl you must make
good"
Ye Gods True enough that pro-
fessor had come out to our institute
from the city of Bern to give us
lecture once a week, including some
practical demonstrations, etc. How
ever, | was a dreamer in those days |
and the interior department OF a
COW had no fascination for me. l had
what .you might call speaking ac-
quaintance with cows in general, but
| am ashamed to confess it, although
a graduate of that institution, no
'Bossie' had ever even been MIXED
by me. | did not think it right to
deprive a COW of her juice. Here,
however, | was up against it right ON
the start while still afflicted with the
'Heimweh,' condition of mental
agony to which the Swiss are prob
IDLY more susceptible than any other
A stiff upper lip has car
led me through many crisis during
rather eventful life and | determin-
ID upon bold front. Ny English be-
ng of the most fragmentary kind,
he gardeners charming young daugh-
er, Rosie, was sent along as the Of
icial interpreter. After reviving my
memory of our professors hocus-pro-
us, l had hurriedly picked up com ,
non tack hammer and beer bottle
ork, which l found ON the premises, !
nd the two mile walk with Rosie to
he estate where that unfortunate
ow was waiting for my ministration,
ave me time to devise plan Of how
o meet that first emergency in dig
flied professional manner.
Arrived on the ground | bid Rosie
ell those people to bring forth the 4
ow where l could get a good look
t her. A plow boy in a nearby field Z
,as Justify singing the popular song
hen in vogue, "Oh, Shoe Fly, Don't 3
'other Me-" and strange 70 say this \
lelody gave me confidence and inspir :
ton. l cast professional eye over
nat Jersey lady and carefully sound 8
d its torso by means of that tack \
ammer and beer cork. In the region 8
{ the lungs 1 placed my ear to the \
ows body, closely observing the face s
E my as yet unsoaked watch. With \
III utSlldllOu VI d HlthCI uldSl SlloSCu
le case as one of rheumatic lung Z
ever.' Ever since then | have had
urning curiosity to know exactly how Z
osie communicated that information {
, those serious looking people. Z
My uncle Arnold, back in the old 8
,untry, was a pioneer and authority !
the hydropathic school, success &
lily operating two large resorts !
here people of wealth would go to &
: treated for real or imaginary ills. !
o do him honor l decided to apply &
IS methods to the COW in question. 3
Tell those people," / bid Rosie, &
that the case is not over serious. 3
lie a couple dozen wet gunny bags <
l the cows fore part, covered by at Z Z
asst three dry blankets and by all '
cans keep her out of draft and on :
Iort dry rations." During the fol- +
wing three days l actually prayed
II that cows health, but on the
urth day the pressure was relieved.
he butler of the estate showed up
ute cheerfully with a roll of green
lcks in his hand and instructions to
title my account, at the same time
porting my late patient as good as