disease at an early period and one half the trouble 

 is over. In using the tonic described in different 

 places in this book, always use wooden vessels, metal 

 vessels may cause a chemical change and be injuri- 

 ous to the bird. 



Remove all birds afflicted with contagious dis- 

 eases, having a separate pen or box as a "Hospital" 

 always ready. Always bury the bodies of dead birds, 

 for often diseases can be contracted from them even 

 after death, or burn them and avoid contagion. 

 Above all bear in mind that an ounce of Prevention 

 is worth a pound of Cure applies to our pets (the 

 pigeon) as well as to 'ourselves. 



Keep the loft in a healthy condition, at all times 

 avoiding draughts and dampness. Have plenty of 

 windows in the lofts, for sunlight is nature's disin- 

 fectant. Dark lofts and disease are companions. 

 Prevent lice from forming by whitewashing nests 

 and all the interior of the building, and use tobacco 

 stems for their material to nest with. A handful of 

 slacked lime in a nest before it is occupied is a good 

 plan to further prevent the formation of lice. Allow 

 the birds a bath when they feel so inclined at least 

 twice each week. Remove the droppings once each 

 week. 



THE TONIC. 

 The Tonic mentioned in this book in seveial 

 places is the best I have found for the pigeon, for 

 general purposes. It is composed of only the best 

 medicines, not an injurious combination, but will be 

 found very beneficial in Preventing and Treating 

 many of the Diseases of Pigeons. It is an excellent 

 antiseptic, laxative, and at the same tirhe a good 

 Saline Tonic. 



53 



