8o BIRDS 



it resembles the most serious of the list in its obstinacy. 

 The habit may be formed in a variety of ways, faulty feed- 

 ing and overcrowding being responsible in the majority 

 of cases. It is most noticeable among pheasants and 

 their allies, certain jay-thrushes and the smaller finches. 

 These birds generally practise on the plumage of their 

 neighbors, and the only remedy is to remove the chief 

 offenders. 



Parrots, however, more frequently destroy their own 

 feathers, some individuals carrying the practice so far as 

 to denude themselves of almost every feather, excepting 

 those on their heads. The habit is difficult to eradicate, 

 and only the most painstaking care can accomplish any 

 good. Birds which have been fed meat, tea, coffee, candy, 

 etc., are the most frequent offenders. A correction of 

 the diet is the first step, and a few drops of fluid mag- 

 nesia may be added to the water as an alterative. Spraying 

 of the feathers with quassia has a deterrent effect in some 

 cases. The bird should be given as much attention as pos- 

 sible, and a companion secured for it, if possible. A piece 

 of soft wood to play with may serve to divert its mind. If 

 a cure is finally effected, the owner may consider himself 

 fortunate, indeed, as such cases are few. 



Baldness is very prevalent among small birds, more par- 

 ticularly canaries and waxbills. Many causes may con- 

 tribute to this condition, generally faulty molting in the 

 case of canaries and frequently persistent plucking among 

 the waxbills. The following treatment has been found very 

 efficacious by the writer : Supply the invalid with plenty of 

 green food, and see that its seed is of a nourishing char- 

 acter; linseed is excellent in such cases. Cover a five-cent 

 piece with Epsom salts, dissolve it in a cup of water, and 

 fill the drinker with this solution daily for a week. Then 

 discontinue and add, instead, ten or twelve drops of lemon 



