Diseases. 135 



from the attack. The best and simplest is the infusion of 

 gentian, which can be given in the drinking water in the pro- 

 portions of a teaspoonful of the former to a tablespoonful of 

 the latter. Diarrhoea also occurs in the last stage of con- 

 sumption, &c. ; but in such cases little can be done to alleviate 

 it, as checking it is sure to aggravate the other symptoms of 

 the disease. 



DIPHTHERIA. This complaint, which is not very prevalent 

 in canaries, affects the head and throat. The mucous membrane 

 becomes thickly coated with secreted matter, and the throat 

 and tongue ulcerated. It is, however, very contagious, hence 

 a bird discovered to be suffering from this disease should at 

 once be isolated, and, if not valuable, it will be well to destroy 

 it in order to stamp out the malady. In valuable specimens 

 the following treatment should be adopted. Use a lotion 

 to the throat made as follows : 2 drachms of cupri. sulph. 

 dissolved in 4oz. of rain water, and apply to the throat with 

 a feather, turning it carefully round a few times before being 

 withdrawn. Give for internal use as follows : Loaf sugar, 

 burnt brown, 2oz., sulphate of iron 2 scruples, sulphate of 

 magnesia 2 scruples, sulphate of soda 2 drachms, chloride of 

 sodium \ drachm, water 6oz. Mix in a mortar, add twenty drops 

 of this to each ounce of water, to be given in place of the 

 usual drinking water; or the following, 20 drops of Calvert's 

 pure carbolic acid, 1 drachm of spirit of wine, and 6oz. of 

 water; dose, twenty drops to each ounce of water, as before 

 directed. 



DYSENTERY. The symptoms first observed in this disorder 

 are a dullness and want of energy in the bird attacked, and 

 it is usually much relaxed in its bowels for a day or two; 

 then the evacuations become scant and thin, and consist prin- 

 cipally of a little thick mucus tinged with blood, and there is 

 much straining, and evidently severe griping pains as the poor 

 patients cling close to the perches, and move from side to 

 side in a manner that suggests great agony. Warmth, quiet, 

 and light nourishing diet are essential a little white bread 



