64 



DISINFECTANTS. 



Any druggist will supply a good disinfectant and give 

 directions how to mix it for use. This should be sprinkled 

 about the floor once in two or three weeks, and always 

 mixed with the whitewash which is used on the loft. A 

 mild disinfectant should be sprinkled on the floor at least 

 once a week, and twice a week is better. Go quietly into 

 the loft and gently sprinkle the solution on the floor, but 

 not on the nests, as this frightens the birds. Keep the air 

 of the lofts always smelling sweet and pure and there will 

 be no trouble with disease. 



DOUGLAS MIXTURE. 



Douglas Mixture is an old-fime topic, much esteemed by 

 a good many breeders of pigeons and poultry. It is made 

 by dissolving eight ounces of iron sulphate (copperas) in 

 two gallons of water and then very slowly adding one 

 ounce of sulphuric acid. Put in jugs and it will keep indef- 

 initely. If a tablespoonful of this is put in the drinking 

 water occasionally, it will act as a tonic and make the blood 

 richer. It is especially recommended for use during the 

 molting season. 



GENTIAN AS A TONIC. 



Compound tincture of gentian is highly recommended as 

 a tonic for pigeons. If the birds seem out of condition, a 

 teaspoonful of this in the drinking water will tone them 

 up and give them good appetites again. When the birds 

 are molting during the months of September, October and 

 November, a tablespoonful of compound extract of gentian 

 in the drinking water every Sunday morning will keep the 

 birds in condition, but this should not *be used if the Douglas 

 Mixture is used as a tonic. 



