126 BIRDS. 



Let an assistant hold the wings behind the birds and grasp 

 the thigh well above the seat of fracture, do not use wooden 

 splints ; there are many things to hand that are better. 



Small birds' legs can be set with such light materials as folds 

 of tissue paper enclosed by a covering of starch, paste, glue, or 

 even gum. The chief thing is to get the broken ends in apposition 

 and to hold the sufferer until the support is dry or properly set. 

 Lightness is essential with small birds. A layer of cotton wool 

 with a slight strip of plaster is sometimes employed. 



The legs of fowls may be set in gutta percha, which should 

 be moulded to the limb while hot, and become sufhciently stiff 

 when cold to give the necessary support. Card-board or brown 

 paper, softened in hot water, can be used in the same way, and 

 a thin light bandage placed over all, with glue, gum, or starch. 



Broken Thigh. — Fracture in this position does not offer 

 the same facility for mechanical supports, but what has been 

 said of fracture lower down, applies to all others, namely, getting 

 the ends in apposition and keeping them there. 



Broken Wing. — ^The setting of a broken wing is a com- 

 paratively simple matter. All that is necessary is to tie the ends 

 of some of the Aving feathers, place the injured member in a 

 natural position, and stick the ends of the feathers to those on 

 the flank by means of pitch or glue. The patient should be 

 confined in a small space. When the wing can be released, the 

 enlargement which will be readily seen, may be stimulated by a 

 little EUiman's (one part to five of water). This will clear up 

 the callus, and restore the member to usefulness much sooner. 



CANKER* 



By canker is meant a sore which leaves an ulcer indisposed 

 to heal up, but rather to spread, and eventually to kill the 

 subject of it. 



These sores come- up as pustules about the head, neck, and 

 inside the mouth. 



Causes. — Damp, dark, dirty and unwholesome surroundings, 

 and the presence of decaying vegetable and animal matter. 



