62 THE PIGEON BOOK 



the disease, and the body and health of the subject must 

 be in a low state before the acarus can attack it. 



I have heard of cases where fanciers having birds suffer- 

 ing from, feather rot have totally immersed them in paraffin 

 oil. This would probably wipe out the acarus if due to 

 this cause, but a remedy I effectively tried in a serious case 

 that came under my observation was to remove the feathers 

 close to and around the affected part, thoroughly rubbing 

 in, night and morning, an ointment of vaseline and sulphur, 

 and for other treatment administering a mild aperient and 

 capsule of Parrish's chemical food twice weekly. 



In the case of one bird which was treated for this form 

 of the disease it proved a winner in a long, hard race, and 

 after being anointed on the affected parts on two occasions 

 was. never again affected. 



(3) Atmospheric. 



This form of the disease consists of the breaking of the 

 ends of the flights, brittleness, rotting of the web of the 

 larger feathers, such as the tail and flights. 



In my opinion this form of the disease is due to the 

 loft being unsuitable, low temperature of the birds, ^nd 

 ammonia permeating the atmosphere, and so affecting the 

 subjects that there is no power of resistance to the air or 

 sun in the feather. In fact, the feathers at the extremes 

 become worn out before their time. 



This form of the disease is generally more prevalent in 

 lofts over stables where horses are kept underneath. 



In overcrowded humid lofts, where dung is allowed to 

 accumulate on the floor, and the ammonia arises ; or in 

 lofts situated in marshy districts, where the birds are 

 always living in a state of humidity. 



So much for the predisposing cause. 



The remedy lies in such immediate alterations of the 

 loft as to ensure absolute dryness. 



