DISEASES OF POULTRY. 261 



by an accumulation of phlegm, which interferes with the exer- 

 cise of their functions. The fowl labors for breath, in conse- 

 quence of not being able to take in the usual quantity of air at an 

 inspiration. The capacity of the lungs is thereby diminished, 

 the lining membrane of the windpipe becomes thickened, and 

 its minute branches are more or less affected. These effects 

 may reasonably be attributed, as Richardson thinks, to the 

 fact, that, as our poultry are originally natives of tropical 

 climates, however well they may appear acclimated, they, 

 nevertheless, require a more equable temperature than is afforded 

 except by artificial means. 



Another variety of asthma is induced by fright, or over 

 excitement. It is sometimes produced by chasing fowls to 

 catch them, by seizing them suddenly, or by their fighting with 

 each other. In these cases, a blood-vessel is often ruptured, 

 and sometimes one or more of the air-cells. 



The symptoms are short breathing, opening of the beak often, 

 and for a space together, heaving and panting of the chest ; 

 and in case of a rupture of a blood-vessel, a drop of blood 

 appearing on the beak. 



Remedy. Confirmed asthma is difficult to cure. For the 

 disease in its incipient state, it is recommended that the fowl be 

 kept warm, and be treated with repeated doses of hippo-powder 

 and sulphur mixed with butter, with the addition of a small 

 quantity of cayenne pepper. 



in. ROUP. 



This term is used very loosely, both in common speaking 

 and among writers on poultry, to characterize disease. It is 

 indifferently applied to describe maladies as dissimilar as 

 obstruction of the rump gland, the pip, and catarrh. It should 

 be confined, however, to a dangerous disorder, with symptoms 

 sufficiently marked to identify it, which is caused mostly by 



