159 



488. I have more than once opened the throat of a bird that died of this disease, all 

 the information I could obtain was, the core adhered so tight to the fleshy or muscular 

 parts of the throat, it appeared like a part of the flesh, being as it was incorporated with 

 it, except the colour of the core, being of a yellow, distinguished it from the throat 

 itself ; the core was pei'fectly bard, would separate from the flesh, by pulling, or picking 

 it with a knife, this was with difficulty, on accotmt of the adhesion, when it did sepa- 

 rate, it left a large and deep hole. I have been surprised I never have discovered any 

 pus in the throat, which induces me to think no suppuration takes place, this is pro- 

 bably because the bird must die of suffocation from the swelling of the throat, before 

 the matter can have had sufficient time to form, and discharge itself. 



489. My researches, therefore, have not been attended with any certain success, but 

 have left me stiU. to conjecture. 



490. One thing I have ascertained, to cut or pick the core is fatal sooner or later, 

 from the great quantity of blood the bird loses from these operations. 



491. Although, as I have observed, this disease is more particularly incident to 

 young birds in the nest, yet it is by no means uncommon in old birds ; it does not in 

 general attack the throat, as in the young ones ; appears in a different way ; usually 

 comes about the mouth and beak ; is not to be discovered very readily at first ; when 

 it begins to enlarge, the bird will not be able to close its mouth ; seems as if it were 

 panting for breath. On examing it the core will soon be discovered. I once had a 

 bird that was attacked with this complaint : I discovered a core as big as a pea on the 

 outside of the beak or lower jaw, which was much swollen ; it was with great pain 

 and difficulty the bird could swallow. This had no doubt been some time forming ; it 

 soon gave way on applying the remedy I have under written. 



492. Not being able to trace the cause of this disorder, T must endeavour to make 

 some amends to the Fancier, by communicating a cure when the effect is produced, 

 which, if attended to frequently, and patiently administered, will, I have no doubt, 

 generally succeed. 



493. I cannot describe the quantums and proportion of the ingredients in the way a 

 medical man would do ; I must content myself with telling the Fancier in a plain way 

 — to take 



494. A half-pint phial, fill it three parts full of the best vinegar, drop into it as 



many drops of the spirit of vitriol as wiU make it sufficiently pungent, 

 which may be ascertained by trying it on the tongue a few times, sweeten 

 it with a little honey, which will make it adhere to the throat, shake them 

 well together ; take a feather, and anoint the inside of the throat of the 

 bird affected, two or three times a day, and in general a cure will be accom- 

 plished ; hang the phial up in the loft for future occasions. I do not per- 

 ceive the specific loses its virtue by keeping. 

 495. This complaint is contagious ; it generally attacks a number of young birds at 

 the same time ; is most prevalent in the hot months. Formerly, this complaint used 

 to infest my loft every season, by which I lost many good birds ; from what cause it 

 arose 1 never could discover ; the same degree of cleanliness having been observed ; 

 the birds having been treated in every respect the same then, as since, as far as I 

 can recollect. I have not had a single instance of the kind for many years. The only 

 possible conjecture I can make is, that possibly I might not have been so particular 

 about tbe food I then gave them. Unquestionably, the quality of the food is very 

 material in the prevention of complaints. 



THE EOOP. 



496. The next disorder that comes under our notice is the roop. This, as I before 

 observed, is a kind of cold or influenza ; is more frequent in cold and damp weather, 

 therefore in such weather the loft should be kept clear of dung, which, if suffered to 

 remain, will increase the damp, making the birds worse, and perhaps spread the com- 

 plaint through the whole loft. This disorder is also contagious, therefore, on its first 

 appearance, the infected bird or birds should be taken away, kept warm, should occa- 

 sionally have a handful of seed given to them. Some put rue in their water : I do not 



