Chapters 18-19 Summary

In Chapter 18 Herriot tells the story of the bull Monty. A farmer bought Monty for the large sum of one hundred pounds. The farmer believes the bull will be worth the price since he is pedigreed and of the Newton breed. Unfortunately at about three months of age Monty becomes sick with an unusual illness. Herriot searches for a diagnosis and finally determines the calf has a hairball lodged in his fourth stomach. An operation which Herriot has never performed is the only way to save the expensive calf. Although it unnerves Herriot, the farmer has complete faith in Herriot's abilities. Although he is unsure of himself, Herriot completes the procedure and the calf is saved. After this miraculous operation Herriot develops a friendly relationship with the calf. Whenever he is on the farm Herriot never leaves without scratching Monty.

After...