126 OSTRICH-FARMING IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



feel and a dark, dirty look ; generally, bnt not always, 

 intense and obstinate constipation sets in. The first 

 signs of an outbreak are often some of the larger chicks 

 apparently protruding the anus ; this Mr. Hutchins, the 

 Colonial Veterinary Surgeon, assured me was nothing 

 but piles, but these were quite unknown to us till this fever 

 made its appearance. The temperature of the chick at 

 first is the normal temperature of the Ostrich, viz., 103° 

 to 104° Fahrenheit, but it gradually fidls, till at about 

 95° death ensues. These are the symptoms which will 

 never be mistaken by a farmer who has once had a taste 

 of this fatal fever amongst his chicks. Some birds die off 

 sharp, especially if the weather is moist and muggy, 

 with the wind from the southward ; others linger on for 

 a long time, and a few recover and grow out fine 

 chicks ; whilst others, although they grow u]>, always 

 appear delicate. 



The post-mortem appearances are the colour of the 

 liver*, or, where this is not so bad, small yellow abscesses 

 wnll be found on the edges of the lobes. Not an atom 

 of fat is to be observed in the body. Dropsy of the 

 abdominal cavity is generallj^ highly developed ; the 

 coats of the stomach peel off* with the least touch. The 

 entrails are flabby and watery. The folds of the maniply 

 are sw^oUen and the coeca distended, and in these stones 

 will be found that have escaped from the gizzard, which 



