260 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



lungs. The spaces between them are occupied with a delicate 

 membrane, which unites them, and gives a regular appearance 

 to the mass. The holes in which the branches of the wind- 

 pipe terminate are apertures into large air-sacs, which com- 

 municate \vith the various parts of the body, and constitute, as 

 it were, an auxiliary lung. The whole mass of the lungs 

 proper is encased with a membrane called the pleura, of great 

 delicacy, which secretes a watery fluid, of great use in prevent- 

 ing any adhesion of the several parts. 



I. OBSTRUCTION OF THE NOSTRIL. 



When the nostrils, which we have seen are so important a 

 portion of the breathing apparatus, are obstructed, disease super- 

 venes. This is sometimes produced in consequence of wounds 

 received in fighting. The comb, when lacerated, will plug up 

 the nostril with a -hard crust, of great tenacity. Canker and 

 ulceration of the nostril is not infrequent, and a catarrhal 

 affection commonly produces this annoying disorder. The 

 symptoms are similar to those attending the pip, the bird 

 gapes and pants for breath. 



Remedy. In cases of laceration, the parts should be washed 

 with warm water or suds till the crust is loosened and removed. 

 Canker or ulceration, if recent, may be rubbed with honey, to 

 defend from the effects of the air ; but if of long standing, 

 Dickson recommends to touch with a red-hot wire, which will 

 produce a scab, and thus facilitate a cure. When obstructions 

 arise from catarrh, bathe the nostrils with warm milk and 

 water, or anoint with sweet oil or fresh butter. 



II. ASTHMA. 



This disease, common among fowls, seems to differ in charac- 

 teristics sufficiently to authorize a distinction into two species. 

 In one, it appears to be caused by an obstruction of the air-cells, 



