CHAMELION.—APOPLEXY—CUCKOO. 
37 
tion of the spinal cord; and the larger intestines, supplied with 
nervous influence from this portion of the cord, shared in the 
paralysis of the posterior limbs. The next case of cramp we 
have, we will pluck away a few of the feathers, and blister this 
portion of the spine, if so it can be called in the bird. 
CHAMELEON. 
Dec. 2dj 1837.—This animal had been observed to crawl 
about, even with more than its usual slowness, for the last week. 
This is the time when they usually take their departure from us. 
We have never yet saved one through the winter. Feed him 
well, and make him as comfortable as possible. 
4:th. —Dead. This is the first that I have had opportunity to 
examine, for they have hitherto been sent down to the Museum. 
The lungs were beautifully sound; perhaps (but this is merely 
guessing on the matter) they were a little diminished in size. 
The liver exhibited evident traces of inflammation, and the intes¬ 
tines were loaded with a viscid black matter, seemingly com¬ 
posed of vitiated bile and the natural mucus of the intestines. 
We will try another time what minute doses of calomel will do 
when they appear to be thinking of going. 
APOPLEXY—CUCKOO. 
Dec, Ath, 1837.—This bird had been observed to be rather 
dull yesterday, but he could not be said to be ill. This morn¬ 
ing he was found dead. Every organ of the thoracic and abdo¬ 
minal cavities was in perfect health. The bird was as fat as a 
pig. I scarcely ever saw one of his size with such a collection 
of fat within him. On opening the head the cause of death 
was plain enough : there was great injection of the membranes, 
with slight effusion of blood over almost the whole surface of 
the brain, and a small clot of blood at its base. It was plain 
and manifest apoplexy. Is this the way that several of our 
cuckoos have gone? Not exactly so, for some that I have had 
the opportunity of examining have had no flesh upon their bones. 
Tliis, however, must be more looked after. 
