DISEASES OF FOWLS. 229 



such substitute, as mashed potatoes, costiveness is certain to ensue. 

 The want of a sufficient supply of good water, will also produce the 

 disease. 



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 sometimes 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 sometimes required in addition, to effect a cure. 

 Ib. 



DIAKRHKA. There are times when fowls dung more loosely than at 

 others, 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 diarrhea are 

 dampness, undue acidity in the bowels, or the presence or irritating 

 matter there. 



The symptoms are, lassitude and emaciation, and, in very 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 advantageous, but rice flour boluses 

 are most to be depended on. Dr. Handel, of Mayence, in cases of 

 chronic looseness, recommends water impregnated with iron rust, with 

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



In oases of bloody flux, boiled rice and milk, given warm, with a 

 little magnesia ov chalk, may be given with success. Ib. 



ASTHMA. This disease, common among fowls, seems to differ in 

 characteristics sufficiently to authorize a distinction into two species. 

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

 an accumulation of phlegm, which interferes with the exercise of 

 their functions. The fowl labors for breath, in consequence 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 op 

 less affected. These effects may reasonably be attributed, as Richard- 

 son 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 u 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 



