94 CANARIES 



dessert -spoonful, whilst four drachms make one table 

 spoonful. The system of measuring medicine by drops 

 and spoonfuls is very handy, but it is wise not to trust to 

 dropping medicine from a bottle, or to ordinary spoons. 

 The latter vary in size, as do the drops which fall from the 

 mouth of the bottle. Accuracy is needed, aud the only 

 accurate method of measuring medicine is by the use of 

 a properly marked medicine glass. 



The Classification of Diseases. 



If I were a scientist I should classify the diseases 

 to which canary flesh is heir according to the organs with 

 which they are connected, but, as I am a plain practical 

 fancier writing for his fellows who are not versed in the 

 language of the laboratory and surgery, I am adopting the 

 alphabetical classification. 



Abscess. 



An abscess is formed by the collection of unhealthy 

 matter known as pus in the cavities of the connective 

 tissues that occupy the small spaces between the different 

 parts of the body. In some cases they are the result 

 of an injury, in others they arise from an hereditary 

 scrofulous tendency in the blood. Young birds often have 

 abscesses on their feet and wings. In the one case 

 caused by the harshness of the perches on a sensitive 

 skin, or by something sharp in the sand, and in the other 

 by a blow when flying. When a bird is observed standing 

 on one foot and pecking at the other, putting a foot down 

 on the perch and picking it up again quickly and appearing 

 generally restless, it should be caught, placed on its back 

 m the left hand, and held securely by the thumb being 

 placed across the neck. Held in such position it may 

 easily be subjected to a thorough examination. This 

 will reveal the fact that the feet are inflamed ; in the ball 

 of the foot or between one of the joints a small sweUing 

 will be observed. In the earlier stages this sweUing will 

 present a red appearance, but if it is of any standing 

 it will be of a greenish-yellow colour, or if very malignant 

 it may be black. In a well-managed aviary the latter 

 stage will not be reached before it attracts the owner's 

 notice. 



