DISEASES OF YOUNG PHEASANTS. 83 



larvae and nymphs from coming to maturity in 

 fact, kill them and the contents of the combs 

 will keep for some weeks afterwards. Hemp- 

 seed, crushed and mingled with oatmeal, should 

 be given when about to wean them from an in- 

 sect diet. Hard-boiled eggs also form a useful 

 addition, and may be mixed for a long time with 

 their ordinary farinaceous food. 



A supply of fresh water is of importance. It 

 may be placed in wide shallow saucers, which 

 should be partly inside and partly outside the 

 coop, so as to be within reach of both the hens 

 and the chicks. The best sort are made of 

 common tile clay, in a series of concentric 

 ridges, each about half an inch wide. These 

 hold a sufficient quantity of water, and by en- 

 abling the chicks to walk through them without 

 wetting their feathers, are superior to a common 

 plate or pan. They may be had at most country 

 grocers' or earthenware shops. 



Young pheasants are subject to a kind of diar- 

 rhoea, which often proves fatal. If the disease 

 be taken in time, boiled rice and milk, in lieu 

 of any other diet, will generally effect a cure. 

 To these chalk may be added, to counteract the 

 acidity which attends this complaint, and should 

 the symptoms be very violent, a small quantity 

 of alum, as an astringent. 



