42 



CHAPTEE yill. 



DISEASES. 



Caitaeies, provicled they be carefully attended to, 

 have few ailments, and the period at which they are 

 most liable to disease is during moulting, which 

 usually occurs during the months of July and August, 

 and is a time when particular care and attention 

 should be bestowed. Their food should be changed, 

 but without giving any heating delicacies, which are 

 very injurious. 



It has been observed that birds always moult at the 

 time when their food is most abundant ; the forest 

 birds may then be seen approaching fields and culti- 

 vated places, where, having plenty of insects and 

 seeds, they cannot suffer from want ; indeed, the loss 

 of their feathers prevents their taking long flights, 

 and the reproduction of them occasions a loss of flesh 

 which must be repaired. An abundance of food is 

 therefore necessary, and, following this rule, during 

 moulting some additional food must be given, a little 

 hemp-seed, white bread soaked in milk, and lettuce, 

 or endive. The birds should also be kept warm. 



