DISEASES OF POULTRY. 259 



severe cases, the voiding of calcareous matter, white, streaked 

 with yellow. This resembles the yolk of a stale egg, and 

 sticks to the feathers near the vent. It becomes acrid, from the 

 presence of ammonia, and causes inflammation, which extends 

 speedily throughout the intestines. 



Remedy . This, of course, depends upon the cause. When 

 the disease is brought on by a diet of green or soft food, the 

 food must be changed, and water given sparingly. When it 

 arises from undue acidity, chalk mixed with meal is advan- 

 tageous, but rice flour boluses are most to be depended on. 

 Dr. Handel, of Mayence, in cases of chronic looseness, recom- 

 mends water impregnated with iron-rust, with great confidence. 

 Alum-water, of moderate strength, is also beneficial. 



In cases of bloody flux, boiled rice and milk, given warm, 

 with a little magnesia or chalk, may be given with success. 



II. DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 



Fowls are so constructed, in their respiratory system, that 

 their method of breathing is somewhat peculiar. The princi- 

 pal organ used by them in breathing is the nostril, rather than 

 the mouth. It will easily be observed, that their nostrils are 

 comparatively large. They have an immediate communication 

 with the windpipe. The windpipe is constructed with a series 

 of firm cartilages, bound together by strong membranes. These 

 are exceedingly elastic, and are able to resist considerable pres- 

 sure ; so that it is difficult to disturb the cylindrical form of 

 this organ, or to impede the free ingress or egress of the air 

 necessary to breathing. 



The windpipe reaches down to the chest, and is there divided 

 into branches, which become constantly smaller, till they seem 

 to be mere holes. These ramifications of the windpipe, together 

 with numerous blood-vessels, constitute the substance of the 



