270 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



and, the weather being then cold, they are not in a laying state 

 till the end of March, or later. The time of moulting contin- 

 ues, according to the age and health of the fowls, and also with 

 reference to mild or cold weather, from six weeks to three 

 months. " I think I have observed," says Dickson, " in some 

 instances of late hatching, that the process is favorable to 

 moulting." 



Symptoms. A falling off in appetite, moping, and inactiv- 

 ity ; the feathers staring and falling off, till the naked skin 

 appears. 



Remedy. In diseased moulting, M. Chomel advises to add 

 sugar to the water which the fowls drink, and to give corn and 

 hempseed. They should be kept warm, and occasionally be 

 treated to doses of cayenne pepper. 



II. LOSS OF FEATHERS. 



This disease, which is common to confined fowls, is by no 

 means to be confounded with the natural process of moulting. 

 In the annual healthy moult, the fall of the feathers is occa- 

 sioned by the protrusion of new feathers from the skin. In 

 the diseased state, which we now consider, where the feathers 

 fall, no new ones come to replace them, but the fowl is left 

 bald and naked. A sort of roughness appears also on the 

 skin. 



The symptoms are like those just described in the previous 

 article, and are easily distinguishable. 



Remedy. This affection is probably constitutional, rather 

 than local. External remedies, therefore, may not always be 

 sufficient. Stimulants, applied externally, will serve to assist 

 the operation of what medicine may be given. Sulphur may 

 be thus applied, mixed with lard. Sulphur and cayenne, in 

 the proportion of one quarter each, mixed with fresh butter, is 

 good to be given internally, and will act as a powerful altera- 



