652 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.JF. [Aug. 3, 1908. 



The remedial measures are, to pare the hard surface of the swclhng and 

 poultice frequently. If pus has formed, then two good clean cuts should 

 be luade across the wound in the form of a X. and the matter squeezed 

 out. Krcciuontly this is of a cheesy nature, and will have to be scraped out 

 with a jx'nknifc. The wound should then be washed out with carbolised 

 water, or diluted Condy's Fluid ; the foot to be bapdaged up with a clean wet 

 cloth, and not removed for, say, a fortnight, at the end of which time the 

 wountl will likely have healed, and no further trouble ensue. In cases where 

 the disease has got into the tissues beyond the ball of the foot, it is difficult 

 to effect a cure. Male birds are more frequent subjects of the disease than 

 hens. In relation to this, and the abcess on the breastbone, low perches are 

 advocated, which, if not wholly preventive, will be partially so. 



Anipmia. — This means a deficiency or poverty in the blood, and there are 

 many strains or families of fowls which are thoroughly aniemic. The fowls 

 have a pallid appearance, the comb and wattles pale, and the legs usually 

 cold ; they have a bloodless look, while the walk is listless and languid. 



The causes are frequently insanitary conditions, overcrowding, innutritious 

 food, &c. Fowds of this sort should be got rid of, treatment being both 

 expensive and useless, for even should a cure be effected, these patched-up, 

 doctored specimens will make wretched breeding stock. 



Apoplexy is a diseased condition of the brain, frequently the breaking of 

 a blood vessel, owing to undue fulness there. The breaking of the vessel 

 allows blood to escape into or upon the brain substance. The causes are 

 usually overfatness, stimulating food, while some authorities say it may be 

 hereditary. Dr. Woodriffe Hill says : — " The exciting causes are, violent 

 exercise, intense heat, derangement of the digestive organs, over- straining in 

 laying hens, which are frequently found dead on the nest." 



The symptoms are, the bird falls to the ground in a state of partial insensi- 

 bility, and is sometimes found dead. In cases wdrere the fowd staggers and 

 falls dow'n, the simplest remedy is to pour cold w'ater over its head, wdien 

 there will likely be a recovery. Bleeding is also recommended. This can 

 be readily done by making an incision in the vein under the wing, and taking, 

 say, a tablespoonful of blood from a full-grown fowl. Purgatives should 

 also be given. 



Apoplexy is usually associated with old fowls, often show birds, but even 

 wdien cases are successfully treated, the trouble may return, and each time 

 it is more severe. Like several other fowd troubles, the cheapest and most 

 effective way to treat apoplectic subjects is to get rid of them. 



Ascites, or Abdominal Dropsy. — Exhibition hens, if of good quality, unlike 

 market sorts, are often kept till they become diseased, meet with an accidents 

 or die of old age. 



A frequent disease, particularly in old fat specimens, is that known as 

 " down behind." The abdomen becomes very large and pendulous, some- 

 times touching the ground. One form of this is abdominal dropsy. The 



