278 CJiVl'l/.'/A'.s' AXD (TAGS-BIRDS. 



Zwieback, and sprinkle the mixture with small quantities of maw-seed, granulated 

 sugar, and cayenne pepper. 



The tonics, treats, and medicines used in cases where the seed-eating classes 

 require them are as numerous as the varieties of birds themselves. It is necessary 

 at times to administer these, but in many cases it is as much overdone as in the case 

 of administering useless patent medicines to the human race. I have always found 

 that birds are kept healthier by good plain food than by numberless daily doses of 

 patent tonics and worthless mixtures. The following list of drugs should be kept 

 in the bird-room, and they will cover about all the cases which require treatment : 

 castor-oil, gum-arabic, glycerine, cod-liver oil, prepared chalk, nitrate of potash, 

 dandelion-juice, paregoric, and laudanum. 



Bird-tonics are made for the purpose of restoring the song of a bird ; and it is 

 claimed by many manufacturers of them, that they form a certain cure for any and 

 all diseases to which the bird-race is subject : it is, of course, apparent, that the claim 

 is sheer nonsense. They are, however, excellent stimulants in cases of weakening 

 of the constitution, and a needed restorer after sicknesses. An excellent tonic is, 

 To a wine-glass of water add fifteen grains of tincture of iron, ten grains of the 

 compound tincture of gentian, and ten drops of glycerine. This is a good general 

 tonic, and may be administered in any case of debility with usually good results. 



Treats of various names, and song-restorers, are palatable compounds of crushed 

 seeds and honey or sirup, and effect good results in some cases, but are usually 

 looked upon in the light of dainties. Gunning's Tonic is commended. 



A bird-treat, made of equal portions of crushed hemp, canary, rape, and maw 

 seeds, plentifully sprinkled with cuttle-bone dust, and carefully kneaded with honey 

 in order to unite the mass firmly, may be suspended by means of a wire in the 

 cage. 



Song-restorer is a preparation of crushed seeds, etc., and oftentimes will re- 

 store the voices of birds which have been silent for a long period. In cases where 

 birds have always been accustomed to a change and variety of food, it is hardly 

 necessary. It is compounded of powdered hemp, canary, and maw seeds, mixed 

 with powdered cuttle-bone, rock-candy, and Zwieback, all in equal portions. 



Various cures in the shape of simple powders are recommended for special 

 diseases, such as asthma, cold, constipation, and diarrhoea. Asthma mixture 

 consists of equal portions of cayenne pepper, crushed hemp, and lettuce-seeds, 

 mixed with Zwieback and grated hard-boiled egg. 



Cold or Moulting is treated in the same manner. 



Constipation. For this disease a mixture is compounded of crushed hemp, 

 saffron, rape, and lettuce seeds in equal portions, mixed with grated hard-boiled 



egg- 



Diarrhoea. A good remedy for this is to mix equal parts of cayenene pepper, 

 powdered chalk, pulverized charcoal, crushed hemp and maw seeds, and mix with 

 grated hard-boiled egg. 



Many more receipts could be compounded for the diseases of the smaller seed- 

 eating birds ; but, in cases which require stronger medicines, the remedies and treat- 

 ment advised in the diseases on Canaries will apply to the smaller classes of hard-billed 

 birds. 



