Diseases. 79 



And so the disease develops, from what was at first 

 only a cold, till it becomes severe roup, and most 

 infectious ; but long ere this the bird should be 

 removed from its fellows. 



Ophthalmia. The year 1886 had, undoubtedly, a 

 sad notoriety for this disease, which leads one to 

 think it is induced by certain climatic influences. 

 The best remedy is to paint the eyes two or three 

 times daily with a weak solution of nitrate of silver 

 (about three grains to an ounce of water). I have 

 also heard of the roof of the mouth being painted 

 with it, but can offer no opinion on this. 



Cramp is, in many cases, induced by cold and wet, 

 but, no doubt, also arises from a disordered stomach. 

 The remedy is to keep the birds warm and dry, and, 

 if the coops are in a damp situation, to be sure and 

 use the boards mentioned under the head of " Coops," 

 in Chapter II.; these are far preferable to sacking, which 

 is very apt to get soaked, and is then difficult to dry. 

 Half-grown birds are as often taken with cramp as 

 young birds ; they seem to lose the use of their legs, 

 and become quite helpless. 



Scrofulous Disease is often brought about by in- 

 breeding, and from mating unhealthy birds. There 

 can be only one remedy for this pure, fresh blood, 

 and strong and healthy stock. Weed out all weak 

 birds, selecting only the best to breed from. Take 

 every precaution to promote health and vigour. 



One season I was much troubled with the birds' 

 mouths being full of froth. I could not trace it in 



