9 
DISEASES AND MANAGEMENT OF CAGE-BIRDS. 
/ 
There is a curious mode of taking birds which is practised in some parts 
of France. A frame is constructed of wood, generally of 
the stripped branches of some of the slender straight-grow¬ 
ing poplars, in the centre of which a seat is placed for the 
bird-catcher to sit upon. The frame so constructed is 
afterwards covered with boughs and evergreen shrubs, 
among which are openings for the entrance of the birds, 
and also for the hands of the bird-catcher to come out, who 
is seated like a jack-in-the-green within. When the birds 
alight on or about the sides of the holes, the bird-catcher 
nimbly seizes them by the hand, or by means of a small -flap trap which he 
thrusts out at one of the holes, and upon which the birds alight. Modifi¬ 
cations of this plan might be successfully adopted by the juvenile bird- 
catcher. 
DISEASES AND MANAGEMENT OF CAGE-BIRDS. 
Birds are subject to few diseases, and what some birds are afflicted with, 
others escape, so also a different treatment is required with different 
birds; thus it is impossible to give any general remarks or remedies which 
will be applicable to all occasions, yet the following account of their parti¬ 
cular ailments, and the causes and remedies for them, will be very useful 
for the young bird-fancier. 
Almost all the diseases to which birds are subject, arise from improper 
management. If duly fed, their cages regularly cleaned, and kept in good 
air, it is seldom that the birds are found in bad health. In a state of nature 
they are liable to numerous misfortunes, but when confined they are exempt 
from many of these, and when they are really ill, their complaints can be 
better attended to; colds are the most general complaints, and they are 
almost all owing to carelessness. Ilow frequently are birds hung up close 
to the top corner of a window, with the sash down about one foot, and a 
draught of air running through or by the cage, fit to turn a windmill. Thus 
they are frequently exposed for several hours late in the evening, when 
going to roost, without any consideration, whether the air be damp, cold, or 
dry. In this manner many a fine bird is endangered, if not killed, by taking 
cold. * 
When birds are in good health and lively, their feathers will appear and 
feel sleek and smooth, adhering close to their bodies; whenever you per¬ 
ceive the contrary to this, and the birds are sitting dull and bunchy, rely on 
it something is out of order. Therefore, first consider the season or time 
of year; if moulting is approaching, or if any thing has worried or fright¬ 
ened the bird, if he has been hung up in a draught of air and taken cold; if 
he is suffering from neither of these causes, see if he can get at his water 
and seed, and that both are sweet; good seed always appears clear and 
glossy, and feels dry and hard; if there is no fault here, examine his body, 
blow up the feathers of his belly, see if his bowels look swelled or inflamed, 
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