and should not be overlooked, by any means, as the 

 condition of the whole elimentary canal can be read- 

 ily ascertained from the appearance of the membranes 

 of the mouth and throat. Another very important 

 part of the examination is to notice the character of 

 the excrement voided, taking particular attention as 

 to its color, consistency, etc. The droppings of a 

 bird in full health should be somewhat firm, with a 

 small amount of the whitish substance (the urea.) 

 When frothy, black or green in color, or watery and 

 containing much mucus and slime, there is a derange- 

 ment somewhere needing attention. 



Next look to the respiration noticing if the 

 breathing is labored after slight exertions, remember- 

 ing at the same time that even in healthy birds whi n 

 frightened, the respiration will be always quicker but 

 this does not necessarily indicate disease. Examine 

 the abdomen to see if there is any malformation or 

 injury i. e. a fallen egg or gizzard, the former will 

 most always be found on the left side while the lat- 

 ter generally in the middle slightly to the right and 

 low down. When an affection of this kind has be- 

 come established the skin over the abdomen will al- 

 ways have a shiny appearance, in fact it will often ap- 

 pear in other affections also. If the bird has any 

 trouble in flying, examine all the bones of the wings, 

 and see if there is any swelling of the joints or 

 wounds etc. also examining closely all parts of the 

 wing where the feathers are seen to be ruffed or un- 

 even. If a bird eats very heartily and does not seem 

 to thrive well look at the excrement very closely and 

 see if there are any worms adhering to it. If none 

 are found the first time look again. 



