278 DISEASES OF POULTRY. 



when there is any atrophy or loss of flesh observed. It 

 ought of course to be combined with good barley, oats, 

 Indian meal, or ground malt, and occasionally some good 

 ale, milk warm, to drink. The ale has a very great ef- 

 fect in improving what may be termed the " condition" of 

 fowls. 



COSTIVENESS. 



It is easy to discover the presence of this disease, by 

 the frequent unsuccessful endeavors of the fowl affected 

 with it to relieve itself. It may be caused by a contin- 

 uance of feeding on dry grain without access to green 

 vegetables, without which, or the occasional substitute 

 of warm boiled potatoes, this disorder is certain to make 

 its appearance. The want of a plentiful supply of good 

 water may also occasion costiveness. 



Soaked bread with skimmed milk, if it can be easily 

 had and given warm, is one of the best remedies for the 

 costiveness of fowls, as it does not purge so much as 

 boiled carrots or cabbage, which may be given if the 

 soaked bread fail. A good meal of earth worms, .or some 

 chopped suet, may also be useful. Hot potatoes, mashed 

 with dripping or bacon fat, are likewise an excellent 

 remedy. 



But should any individual fowl continue costive, not- 

 withstanding these means, a little sweet oil may be in- 

 troduced into the anus, by way of clyster, a thing that 

 will rarely fail to effect, at least, temporary relief; and 

 a permanent cure must be sought for by discovering the 

 cause 



SCOURING, LOOSENESS, OR DIARRHCEA. 



When fowls are observed to dung more loose than 

 natural, in consequence of feeding on green vegetables, 

 bad potatoes, or other soft food, it can scarcely be reck- 

 oned a disease, and no treatment will be required, un- 

 less it continue or increase, rather than go off. But 

 when it does amount to a confirmed looseness, it ought 

 to be attended to, lest, in the end, it prove fatal, as not 

 unfrequently happens when it is neglected. The worst 



