i88 Diseases of Birds. 
remaining part becomes a mass of powdery material. Where 
the fealliers fall ont the skin is left smooth. It does not, as a 
rnle, seem to cause much distuiljance to the bird whose health is 
generally maintained. It may, however, diminish egg produc- 
tion. In the cock it is generally more severe than in the hen. 
As a rnle, the tail and wing ft-aiheis are left. The disease 
is chiefly seen in the spring and snniiner, and may disappear in 
the autumn tore-appear next spring. It is probably conveyed 
by the cock as the vent-region is the part that is nearly always 
first invaded. 
The disease is often mistaken for an abnormal or soft 
moult or feather-eating. 
A feather in the affected re<;ion should be pulled out and 
the fine scales or powdery material on the neck of the feather 
put on a glass slide and examined under the microscope, when 
the parasite, if present, will be found. 
It is a very contagions disease and spreads very rapidly. 
It is generally introduced by newly-purchased birds. It attacks 
principally the fowl, pi^^eon, and pheasant, but may also be seen 
in other classes of birds. 
As to disinfection, the same treatment recommended for 
the "Scaly-leg mange" is applicable lieie. But as the body 
must be treated all over to ensure an effectual destruction of the 
parasite, a greasy, or irritating remedy like paraffin, as advised 
for scaly-leg would be injurious if not fatal to the birds. To 
obviate this risk one must use a simple yet thoroughly trustworthy 
agent. For this purpose none is so ciieap as the sulphurated, 
lime lotion, which ain'body can make. It is composed as follows: 
Sulphur . . . . I lb. 
Freshlj'-slaked lime 2 lbs. 
Water . . . . i gallon. 
Gentlj' heat this mixture until it becomes a golden yellow colour, 
then allow it to cool. Decant off the clear liquor. 
When this is going to be used it should be mixed with as 
much, if not twice as mucli, warm water. The birds should be 
dipped into it, taking care none is swallowed or allowed to get 
into the eyes. In cold or damp weather the birds should lie 
dried in front of a fire and kept warm until they have thoroughly 
