INTRODUCTION. 23 



the perches were then removed, so that the bird was obliged 

 to remain in the water, where it was left for half an hour, 

 sometimes throwing it hemp seed to amuse it. After repeating 

 the bath once or twice, the bird became very fond of it ; and it 

 was remarked that its feet became, if we may say so, quite 

 young again. The scales being sufficiently softened, the 

 middle of each was cut lengthwise without reaching the flesh ; 

 this made the sides easily fall off. It is better to remove only 

 two scales a-day, that the bird may not be wearied. By con- 

 tinuing the bath three times a-week, the feet become healthy 

 and supple, and the bird is easy. 



Sore Eyes. — The juice of red beet for drink, and also as a 

 liniment, greatly relieves this disorder. Dr. Handel, of Mentz, 

 recommends washing the eyes, when disposed to blindness, 

 with an infusion of the root of white hellebore. 



Tumors and Ulcers. — As to the tumors and ulcers which 

 come on the heads of the birds, Dr. Handel touches them with 

 a middling-sized red-hot knitting needle. This makes the 

 watery humor run out, and the wound afterwards dries and 

 heals. To soften the pain, a little liquid black soap is used. If, 

 from the softness of the tumor, matter seems to have formed, it 

 should be rubbed with fresh butter until it is come to a head; 

 it may then be emptied, and opened by a few drops of essence 

 of myrrh. During all this time, the bird must have nothing 

 but beet juice to drink. 



Ulcers in the palate and throat may be cured by making the 

 bird drink the milk of almonds for several days, at the same 

 time lightly touching the ulcers several times a-day with a 

 feather dipped in a mixture of honey and borax. 



Moulting. — This occurrence,- though natural, is generally 

 accompanied with disease, during which the birds ought to be 

 taken great care of. Their food should be changed, but with- 

 out giving any heating delicacies, which are very injurious. 



It has been observed that birds always moult at the time 

 when their food is most abundant ; the forest birds may then 

 be seen approaching fields and cultivated places, where, having 

 plenty of insects and seeds, they cannot suffer from want; 



