INTRODUCTION. 17 



PIF. OR THRUSH. This is a catarrh, or cold, by which the 

 nostrils are stopped up, and the membrane covering the tongue 

 is hardened by inflammation. In large birds, it is common to 

 remove this skin, taking it off from the base to the tip; but 

 rough modes should not be used for doing it. A little borax, 

 dissolved in water, may be applied to the tongue with a camel- 

 hair pencil two or three times a-day until a healthy action is 

 produced. By this means, this part can again perspire, the 

 saliva necessary for digestion can flow, and the taste and appe- 

 tite return. A mixture of fresh butter, pepper, and garlic, 

 generally cures this catarrh. It is a good thing, also, for 

 the birds to drink the pectoral infusion of speedwell 

 (Veronica nfflcinalis} ; and the nostrils may be opened by 

 passing up a small feather dipped in oil. The ruffling of 

 the head, the beak often open and yellow at its base, and 

 the tongue dry, are the most decisive indications of this 

 disease. 



RHEUM. The symptoms of this disease arc frequent sneezing 

 and shaking of the head. Some drops of pectoral elixir in the 

 infusion of speedwell, which the sick birds must be made to 

 take, appears to be the most efficacious remedy. 



When it is merely hoarseness, Dr. Handel, of Mentz, in 

 France, gave to his birds for several days, as their only drink, 

 a very dilute decoction of dry figs, sweetened with a little 

 sugar, and afterwards purged them, for two days following, with 

 the juice of carrots. 



ASTHMA. This is a very common disease among house 

 birds. Those attacked with it have their breath short, often 

 open their beaks as if to gasp for more air, and, when agitated 

 or frightened, keep them open for a long time. 



The cause of this disease may doubtless be found in the 

 mode of life which the birds lead. Their food is generally 

 too dry and heating, being principally hemp seed, which is 

 very injurious, but liked by all ; and is the more hurtful, as it 

 inclines them to eat too much. If to this, be added the un- 

 changed air of the rooms, particularly those which have stoves 

 instead of chimneys, and the great heat which is kept up 



