THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS AND AILMENTS 



the gizzard, and into it the ducts from the liver and 

 the small pancreas pour their secretion, which comprises 

 the bile and the pancreatic juice. There is a gall bladder 

 which serves as a reservoir for the storage of the bile. 

 The small intestine is long, and succeeded by the large 

 bowl which, in its turn, ends in the cloaca. Considered 

 as a whole, the digestive system of birds is similar to 

 that found in animals, modified to meet the requirements of 

 the individual. The crop may be said to correspond to 

 the rumen or paunch of Ruminants ; the gizzard to the 

 Omasum or third compartment ; and the proventrictclus 

 or chemical stomach of the bird as corresponding to the 

 abomasian or true digestive stomach of cattle. 



Diseases of the Digestive Apparatus 



Impaction of the Crop 



This trouble, though of common occurrence in poultry, 

 is occasionally observed in Pheasants, the result of feeding too 

 long upon dry food ; especially food too stringent in its nature, 

 or in excess, the last-named being rather a frequent cause 

 of the malady. It is an abnormal condition which is easily 

 recognised, the over- filled crop failing to reduce itself. In 

 order to deal with it the best plan is to give the bird a 

 teaspoonful or two of warm glycerine, and knead the crop 

 freely with the hands. 



Infectious Enteric 



Truly this may be said to be the game-rearer's scourge, 

 and one that is unfortunately very prevalent in some 



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