ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 33 
pressure of his legs. The left wing must be firmly held by 
the operators left hand which should rest upon the bird’s back, 
his thumb and finger sharply closed upon the “arm ” joint just 
above the pinion, with his right hand he places the scissors 
on the “wrist” joint and severs it with one clip, without 
letting hold of the wing the caustic should be instantly applied 
to the wound, which will in all probability scarcely bleed. 
In the case of a large bird, or if from any accident there 
should be much loss of blood, the caustic should be applied 
repeatedly, and the arm held firmly for some time, and 
cold water poured upon it. In such an event it would be 
desirable to tie a firm ligature just above the wound. This is, 
however, but seldom needed, for as a rule the bird will 
not appear to suffer any inconvenience and can be restored 
to liberty almost immediately. Birds of the year are best 
pinioned about October, hot weather being unfavourable as 
regards the chances of loss of blood, while in the case of 
adult birds requiring pinioning, care should be taken not to 
attempt it during the breeding season, and it will be usually 
found best to wait until the moult commences. 
The work of M. H. de la Blanchére has furnished the 
principal portion of the above notes, a diagram being also 
given in his “‘ Manuel d’Acclimatation.” 
