CHAP. XIV.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 285 



described as an influenza, caused in most 

 cases by the effect of cold and moisture, 

 arising either from the dampness of the yard 

 and poultry-house, to which they are of course 

 more exposed during their moulting than at 

 any other season, though frequently caused 

 by a humid change in the temperature. 



The roup is so generally considered to be 

 infectious, that when fowls are attacked by 

 it, they are almost always removed from the 

 poultry-yard to prevent contagion ; but the 

 disease is so far from being infectious, that 

 the fowls may roost with others in perfect 

 health without exposing them to danger : 

 the idea of contagion arises no doubt from 

 the disorder spreading among the stock in 

 consequence of the want of warmth and pro- 

 per food, which, if removed, the malady will 

 cease. Its most usual symptom is difficulty 

 of breathing, which occasions the fowls to 

 gape, and the eyes become swollen, accom- 

 panied by a watery running. The plumage 

 is ruffled, and deprived of that pearly gloss 

 which it usually bears, and the bird sits 

 moping in much apparent pain. It affects 

 fowls of all ages, and when neglected, has 



