The Illustrated Tools of Plgeons. 
1^2 
when taken in good time may sometimes be successfully treated as described in Carriers, viz., by 
flannel bandages daily soaked in spirits of turpentine. In severe cases we have found tumours 
actually adhering to the bone, and even extending up the thigh joint* We would on no account, 
ourselves, breed from a bird thus affected, and only state the most promising treatment for the 
sake of those who really cannot afford or cannot procure another ; as the turpentine will often 
preserve a bird for a few months longer, and thus perhaps carry it through the breeding season. 
Various forms of disease in the eyes are more frequently found amongst Short-faced Tumblers 
than any other varieties. In nearly all alike the first observable symptom is running or discharge ; 
and when by this or other signs it is known the eyes have been bad from infancy, there is no hope 
of cure. Where it is evidently exposure to cold which has caused swelling and discharge in and 
around one or both eyes — and the Tumbler being a delicate bird is subject to this — the treatment 
will of course be simple, consisting only of gentle bathing with warm water three times a day, 
drying the eye after, and painting all round it with castor-oil. This last expedient prevents the 
eye becoming closed up, and also allays inflammation, and much lessens the stoppage of the 
nostrils. While in this state a bird will often refuse food, and if so must be hand-fed, for which 
purpose we use peas and tares which have been soaked for at least five hours, as in cases of illness 
digestion is weakened, and soaked food much assists in keeping up the strength. We also advise 
boiled milk instead of water to drink in all cases of illness accompanied by weakness. When 
recovered, a bird thus treated should have its head carefully washed with soap and warm water to 
remove the oil, which otherwise will keep it very stiff and uncomfortable, besides looking bad. 
There are also cases in which there is a slighter, but evidently persistent discharge at the back 
corner of the eye, causing a few of the small feathers to stick together and project. On careful 
examination an extremely minute pimple will be found, which by its pressure on the eyeball and 
eyelash, causes the irritation. Could it be cut away all would be well, but it is generally too small 
for this, and the only treatment is therefore to pluck out the feathers, which by their stiffness add 
to the irritation, and bathe and dress with oil as in the last case. This will generally, if regularly 
persevered in, gradually subdue the irritation, when the pimple will disappear and the bird be 
quite well. 
Another form of disease is far more serious, consisting of a real growth upon the ball of the 
eye itself. It begins with a small whitish speck like a cataract, but this gradually increases till it 
actually projects like a white pimple upon the iris. The pain and irritation are of course very 
great, and the discharge excessive, and in this case bathing is of no use. We have heard it 
recommended to blow very finely-powdered loaf sugar into the eye in such cases, but could never 
find any benefit from this procedure ; and the only remedy we can suggest is to cut out a small 
notch from the eyelid where it comes in contact with the diseased growth, which will prevent 
further irritation, and often stop the discharge. This form of disease is most common in dark- 
coloured birds of the third or fourth year, and especially if they have been tampered with to 
improve the skull. It is, however, not confined to these, but may be found in honest-headed birds, 
though we have been surprised to find how generally it is accompanied by the dark colour to which 
we have referred. Birds bred from parents with extra-good heads on both sides, if they are not 
what is termed “ bladder-eyed,” are also more liable than others to this disease.f 
Finally, there is what is too well known amongst Tumbler breeders as the “wasting” disease, 
to which all fancy pigeons are in some degree subject, but these most of all. It usually attacks 
* We think it possible that painting over the place daily with tincture of iodine might effect a cure. — [E d.] 
f Probably in the early stages, a lotion of five grains to the ounce of nitrate of silver, dropped into the eye twice a day, might 
be of benefit. — [E d.] 
