72 THE PIGEON-FANCIER. 



the two ingredients in a gallipot near the fire 

 till melted — stir; let it set. It is now ready 

 for use. By the aid of this ointment my birds 

 are never troubled with insects. It keeps them 

 scrupulously clean. Twice a year — in spring 

 and autumn (oftener if necessary) — I inspect 

 every bird on the premises. Lift up the feathers 

 in parts of the body where insects lie snugly at 

 home and apply the ointment, which is preven- 

 tion as well as cure. I never admit a new pur- 

 chase into the loft without its first undergoing 

 examination, which is generally needful. 



Apply the ointment sparingly. Holding the bird 

 in the left hand, place a piece about the size of 

 a large grey pea on the tip of the forefinger of 

 the right hand ; put it on the bird. The heat of 

 the body melts it. Rub over the affected part as 

 far as it will spread. A place where insects love 

 to congregate is under the lower beak. Here 

 they lay their eggs and dwell at ease, for the 

 bird cannot molest them. The eggs are attached 

 to the root of the feathers. They are small, 

 round, whitish — sometimes half-a-dozen adhere 

 tq one feather. Gradually they multiply and 

 spread up and up on either side of the head, 

 round by the ears, and meet on the crown of 

 the head. When the eggs succeed in complet- 



