258 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



soft food, or diffused in water, is an excellent tonic, and is indi- 

 cated when there is atrophy or diminution of flesh. It may be 

 combined with oats or grain. In England, it is said that milk- 

 warm ale has a good effect when joined to the diet of diseased 

 fowls. 



III. COSTIVENESS. 



The existence of this disorder will become apparent by 

 observing the unsuccessful attempts of the fowl to relieve 

 itself. It frequently proceeds from continued feeding of dry 

 diet, without access to green vegetables. Indeed, without the 

 use of these, or some such substitute, as mashed potatoes, cos- 

 tiveness is certain to ensue. The want of a sufficient supply 

 of good water will also produce the disease, on account of that 

 peculiar structure which has already been explained, by which 

 fowls are unable to void their urine except in connection with 

 the fceces of solid food, and through the same channel. 



Remedy. Soaked bread, with warm skimmed milk, is a 

 mild remedial agent, and will usually suffice. Boiled carrots, 

 or cabbage, are more efficient. A meal of earth-worms is some- 

 times advisable, and hot potatoes, mixed with bacon-fat, are 

 said to be excellent. Castor-oil and burned butter will relieve 

 the most obstinate cases, though a clyster of oil may be some- 

 times required, in addition, to effect a cure. 



IV. DIARRHOEA. 



There are times when fowls dung more loosely than at oth- 

 ers, especially when they have been fed on green or soft 

 food ; but this may occur without the presence of disease. 

 But should this state deteriorate into a confirmed and continued 

 laxity, immediate attention is required, to guard against fatal 

 effects. The causes of diarrhoea are, dampness, undue acidity 

 in the bowels, or the presence of irritating matter there. 



The symptoms are, lassitude and emaciation, and, in very 



