160 OSTRICH-FARMING IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



of sorts they contract the disease ; and so it has gone 

 on spreading", the germs being scattered in such quanti- 

 ties that even birds under the most favourable circum- 

 stances cannot escape, as the natural herbs that would 

 have proved a sufficient antidote for ordinary attacks are 

 not strong enough to resist them when multiplied a 

 hundredfold. 



This worm can be found in the chicks, even at 

 six weeks old, and has proved very fatal to them at 

 four monthsj and from that on to three years. When- 

 ever a scarcity of food prevails, or the veldt gets 

 dried up, and they are not supplied with green food, the 

 worm seems to multiply rapidly, and if the birds are 

 neo-lected fatal results will ensue. 



I believe cases have been known of birds over three 

 years old being affected ; but our observations go to 

 show that where the birds are well cared for, and are on 

 suitable soil, they throw off these worms as they do the 

 tape-worm when they approach the adult age. Where 

 the contrary is the case, we suspect the soil or the condi- 

 tions of life are unfavourable. 



The symptoms of the birds being affected are : a 

 falling-off in condition, drowsiness, ruffled feathers, &c., 

 the same as described with tape -worm ; but a marked 

 feature that generally distinguishes between the two is, 

 that in this case the bird rushes greedily at its mealies, 



