282 DISEASES OF POULTRY, 



versally believed, it is enough to state, that the feathers 

 of the variety of fowls called " rumkifls," which have 

 no rump gland at all, are as much proof against rain as 

 those of other fowls. The fact, notwithstanding, is 

 correct, that fowls are observed pecking about their 

 rumps, and this imposed upon careless observers, who 

 did not consider that the point of thd beak could never 

 press out a quantity of oil sufficient to render itself 

 greasy. " So long," feys M. Reaumur. " as we shall be 

 ignorant why a secretion is made in our ears of a 

 certain waxy matter, though in a very small quantity, 

 we shall not think ourselves obliged to give an account 

 why a secretion of a certain matter is in a particular 

 manner effected in a very small quantity on the rump of 

 fowls." 



The rump gland frequently becomes obstructed, and 

 in consequence inflames, swells, and of course occasions 

 pain -and uneasiness, extending, in bad cases, to the 

 whole rump. Clater says the remedy is simple ; it is all 

 loss of time to foment or apply cooling washes ; the 

 tumor must be opened at once, and the collected oil, 

 now become purulent and diseased, squeezed out. If 

 the wound does not readily heal, a little tincture of aloes 

 may be applied. 



Dr. Bechstein, on the other hand, says that when the 

 rump gland is thus destroyed, the fowls are certain to 

 die the very next moult. 



M. Reaumur thinks it will be most rational treatment 

 to clear, if possible, the obstructed outlet or duct of the 

 gland, by means of a tent, or roll of lint, introduced into 

 the orifice. 



WOUNDS AHD ULCERS. 



From fighting with each other, from having their feet 

 cut with glass or gravel, and not unfrequently from the 

 bites of animals, such as minks, rats, and the like, attack- 

 ing them at night, serious wounds are sometimes pro- 

 duced, which, if neglected, may canker and produce foul 

 ulcers not easily healed. 



In all cases of such injuries, the first requisite is clean- 

 liness. The wound ought to be cleared of all sand or 



