47 



sufficient to cause this disease to all the males of the 

 same family, though of different species. Eemoving 

 the female will cure them directly. The males and 

 females at this season must be separated, so that they 

 cannot see or hear one another. This perhaps is the 

 reason that a male, when put to the window, is soon 

 cured. 



JPiiJ. — This is a catarrh or cold by which the nostrils 

 are stopped up, and the membrane covering the 

 tongue is hardened by inflammation. A mixture of 

 fresh butter, pepper, and garlic, generally cures this 

 catarrh. It is a good thing also for the birds to drink 

 the pectoral infusion of speedwell, and the nostrils 

 may be opened by passing up a small feather. The 

 ruffling of the head, the beak often open and yellow 

 at its base, and the tongue dry, are the most decisive 

 indications of this disease. 



Diseases of the feet. — The principal cause of bad 

 feet is want of bathing, and the knowledge of the 

 cause of the complaint suggests the remedy. They 

 must be frequently cleaned, taking care to remove 

 the skin ; the thick loose scales ought also to be 

 taken off, but with all possible precaution. 



The gout occasions the feet to swell ; they are also 

 so scaly and painful that the poor little bird cannot 

 support itself without resting on the points of its 

 wings. Dr. Handel prescribes a warm fomentation 



