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72 THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD. 



DISEASES. 



The blackbird is particularly subject to a stoppage of the 

 oil gland, which may be softened by the application of fresh 

 butter, mixed up with a good deal of sugar, the aperture being 

 enlarged by gently distending it with a needle, or a small 

 knife ; but a lead salve, or rather a salve of litharge of silver, 

 white lead, wax, and olive oil, which must be ordered at an 

 apothecary's, opens it best. The usual remedy is to pierce it 

 with a needle, or to cut off the hardened gland. If this evil 

 have not yet too severely affected the health of the bird, it 

 may be sought to be remedied by puncturing the gland, com- 

 pressing it frequently, bathing the bird with a syringe, and 

 plucking out some of the feathers of the tail. The accumulated 

 fat is absorbed in the renewal of the feathers, when the gland 

 resumes its natural functions. 



