DISEASES. 47 



generally young birds that are affected in 

 this manner. 



In birds one, two, or three years old, sur- 

 feit is sometimes also produced by too much 

 grass feeding, greens out of season, bad 

 water, and want of gravel at the bottom of 

 the cage. At this age, the disease comes 

 out in scabs, and humors,- about the head, 

 bill, and eyes, and the running of the humor 

 is so sharp and hot, that it will take the 

 feathers off wherever it spreads over their 

 bodies, and even affect the eyes to blindness. 



To cure and stop this, put the bird imme- 

 diately upon a cooling, purging diet ; take 

 away the Canary seed, and let him have 

 only rape seed, with some grits bruised 

 among it, which will cool and scour him out. 

 Afterwards an'oint the head, or the parts 

 where the feathers have come off, with fresh, 

 good hog's lard, or the oil'of sweet almonds, 

 two or three times before roosting time. 



This treatment will check the disorder. 



Keep the bird upon this diet until he is 

 purged well, which will make him thin and 

 lean ; and when you have conquered the 

 malady, return to the rape and canary seed 

 mixed ; but such is the virulence of the dis- 

 ease, if it attacks the eyes, or settles there, 

 in most cases, the sight cannot be saved. 

 Some persons recommend a strong solution 

 of salt and water to wash the head and parts 

 where the feathers have come off. After you 

 have cured your birds, they will look rough 

 and most miserable in feather, till they have 

 passed the moulting season. 



