11 



It is easier to guard against these insects, than to get 

 rid of them when once nestled. Persons purchasing 

 cages should, therefore, be careful to have them per- 

 fectly new; and- then, by keeping them clean, with 

 plenty of dry gravel on the bottom of the cage, and a 

 daily bath for the bird, there is but little danger of being 

 troubled with the above. 



If, however, by neglect of these precautions, insects 

 should have got into the cage, it is best to put the bird 

 into a clean one, and let the infected one be scaldet. 

 In the winter season, leaving it out a night or two 

 will answer the same purpose. 



I have found the use of hollow sticks, or reeds, as 

 perches, to be a great preventative of these troublesome 

 insects increasing, as they creep and hide themselves in 

 these hollows during the day; so that taking them 

 out occasionally, and scalding them, is sure to destroy 

 the insects. Those perches then may be replaced. All 

 other remedies, I have found to be of little account 



3. Epilepsy.- — Too rich food is generally the cause of 

 this desease. The bird, when attacked by it, should be 

 dipped into cold water ; or blooded, which is done by 

 cutting the hind claw, just far enough to draw blood, 

 then holding the foot in lukewarm water, till it ceases 

 bleeding. 



4. Co7isumption. — This disease is more common in 

 birds (especially canaries) than any other. The symp- 

 toms differ : sometimes the feathers on the bird sticking 



