16 INTRODUCTION 



part can again perspire, the saliva necessary for digestion can 

 flow, and the taste and appetite returns. A mixture of fresh 

 butter, pepper, and garlic, generally cures this catarrh. It is a 

 good thing, also, for the birds to drink the pectoral infusion of 

 speedwell ; and the nostrils may be opened by passing up a 

 small feather. The ruffling of the head, the beak often open 

 and yellow at its base, and the tongue dry, are the most 

 decisive indications of this disease. 



THE RHEUM. 



The symptoms of this disease are frequent sneezing and 

 shaking of the head. Some drops of pectoral elixir in the in- 

 fusion of speedwell, which the sick birds must be made to take, 

 appears to me to be the most efficacious remedy. I have given 

 fowls even twenty drops of the elixir in a glass of the infusion. 



When it is merely hoarseness, Dr. Handel, of Mayence, gave 

 to his birds for several days, as their only drink, a very diluted 

 decoction of dry figs, sweetened with a little sugar, and after- 

 wards purged them for two days following, with the juice of 

 carrots. 



ASTHMA. 



This is a very common disease among house birds. Those 

 attacked with it have their breath short, often open their beaks 

 as if to gasp for more air, and, when agitated or frightened, 

 keep them open for a long time. 



The cause of this disease may doubtless be found in the mode 

 of life which these birds lead. Their food is generally too dry 

 and heating, being principally hemp-seed, which is very in- 

 jurious, but liked by all ; and is the more hurtful, as it inclines 

 them to eat too much. If to this be added the unchanged air 

 of the rooms, particularly those which have stoves instead of 

 chimneys, and the great heat which is kept up during winter, 

 it is plain that there is much to injure the delicate lungs of 

 these birds. 



A moist and refreshing regimen and some aperients, more or 

 less often, according to the violence of the disease, appears the 

 most appropriate remedy. A favourite linnet and goldfinch, 

 when attacked with very bad asthma, were relieved and pre- 

 served for several years by the following method. 



