DISEASES OF POULTRY. 255 



and this opinion is corroborated by the editor of the American 

 Farmer. A writer of authority also remarks : " On the dis- 

 section of chickens dying with this disorder, it will be found 

 that the windpipe contains numerous small red worms, about 

 the size of a small cambric needle ; on the first glance, they 

 would be likely to be mistaken for blood-vessels." It is sup- 

 posed by some that these worms continue to grow, until, by 

 their enlargement, the windpipe is so filled up that the chicken 

 is suffocated. 



Symptoms. The common symptoms of this malady are the 

 thickened state of the membrane of the tongue, particularly 

 towards the tip. The breathing is impeded, and the beak is 

 frequently held open, as if gasping for breath. The beak 

 becomes yellow at its base, and the feathers on the head appear 

 ruffled and disordered. The tongue is very dry. The appe- 

 tite is not always impaired ; but yet the fowl cannot eat, 

 probably on account of the difficulty which the act involves, 

 and sits in a corner, to pine in solitude. 



Remedy. Most writers recommend the immediate removal 

 of the thickened membrane. This is said to be best done by 

 scraping it off, with the nail or with a needle ; but it seems to 

 be attended with a degree of cruelty. Richardson says the 

 same effects may be produced by anointing the part with butter 

 or fresh cream. If necessary, the scab may be pricked with a 

 needle. He also recommends a pill, composed of equal parts 

 of scraped garlic and horse-radish , with as much cayenne pep- 

 per as will outweigh a grain of wheat, to be mixed with fresh 

 butter, and given every morning the fowl to be kept warm. 



If the disease is in an advanced state, which is shown by the 

 chicken holding up his head and gaping, for want of breath, it 

 should be thrown on its back, and while the neck is held 

 straight, the bill should be opened, and a quill should J>e 

 inserted into the windpipe, with a little turpentine. This 





