58 THE SPEAKING PARROTS. 



must be kept at the same temperature ; a solution of tannin (82) 

 and Glauber's salt (23) as a purge, two or three times daily. 

 If the stomach be injured by glass or such like substances, 

 mucilage of linseed with a little oil should be given ; but it is 

 usually in vain. The parasites mentioned on p. 55 also cause 

 inflammation in the intestines, which shows itself in violent 

 diarrhoea, immediate and extraordinary weakness and rapid 

 death. In order to be assured of the cause, it is necessary to 

 examine the excretions with a microscope. Treatment : Hypo- 

 sulphide of natron (63) twice daily. Zlirn recommends a tea- 

 spoonful of pure glycerine daily and a solution of salicylic 

 acid (73). 



Poisoning in parrots usually arises only from three causes : 

 Bitter almonds ; phosphorus from loose lucifer matches ; and 

 oxalic acid from the cleaning of the cage. All are due to 

 carelessness, and therefore watchfulness is the only pre- 

 cautionary measure possible. SpnjHoms of Poisoning ivith Bitter 

 Almonds: Anxiety; staggering; falling, without being able to 

 rise ; trembling and cramp. Treatment : Dip the bird in cold 

 water, or pour cold water over it ; administer spirits of sal-ammo- 

 niac (75) or spirits of ether (29) every half-hour, or three times an 

 hour. Symptoms of Poisoning by Phosphorus : Draggled plumage, 

 want of appetite, purging, weakness. Treatment : Liquor chlori 

 (15) every half-hour; rectified spirits of turpentine (83); and 

 white of egg. Symptoms of Poisoning by Oxalic Acid : Stag- 

 gering, helplessness, cramp. Remedy : White of Qgg and other 

 mucilaginous substances ; calcined magnesia (60). It must be 

 remarked that the determination of the cause is in all cases 

 just as uncertain as the treatment, and that there is no prospect 

 of the latter being successful unless it is possible to ascertain 

 that the bird has been poisoned, and how, for there are several 

 other maladies which exhibit similar symptoms. At any rate, 

 when poisoning of any kind is suspected, some mucilaginous 

 coating substance, white of egg, infusion of althea, or linseed, 

 and calcined magnesia (60), may be given with advantage. 



Purging (Diarrhcea) arises from various causes, and con- 

 sequently appears as a symptom in different diseases. It is 

 necessary daily to look to the excrement of every parrot, 

 to see if it maintains the condition mentioned on p. 53 ; if it 

 becomes whiter, yellower, or more slimy, if the feathers under 



