INTRODUCTION. 
17 
Pip, or Thrush.— This is a catarrh, or cold, by which the 
nostrils are stopped up, and the membrane covering the tongue 
is hardened by inflammation. In large birds, it is common to 
remove this skin, taking it off from the base to the tip; but 
rough modes should not be used for doing it. A little borax, 
dissolved in water, may be applied to the tongue with a camel- 
hair pencil two or three times a-day until a healthy action is 
produced. By this means, this part can again perspire, the 
saliva necessary for digestion can flow, and the taste and appe¬ 
tite return. A mixture of fresh butter, pepper, and garlic, 
generally cures this catarrh. It is a good thing, also, for 
; the birds to drink the pectoral infusion of speedwell 
('Veronica officinalis); and the nostrils may be opened by 
passing up a small feather dipped in oil. The ruffling of 
the head, the beak often open and yellow at its base, and 
the tongue dry, are the most decisive indications of this 
disease. 
Rheum.— The symptoms of this disease are frequent sneezing 
and shaking of the head. Some drops of pectoral elixir in the 
infusion of speedwell, which the sick birds must be made to 
take, appears to be the most efficacious remedy. 
When it is merely hoarseness, Dr. Handel, of Mentz, in 
France, gave to his birds for several days, as their only drink, 
a very dilute decoction of dry figs, sweetened with a little 
sugar, and afterwards purged them, for two days following, with 
the juice of carrots. 
Asthma.— This is a very common disease among house 
birds. Those attacked with it have their breath short, often 
open their beaks as if to gasp for more air, and, when agitated 
or frightened, keep them open for a long time. 
The cause of this disease may doubtless be found in the 
mode of life which the birds lead. Their food is generally 
too dry and heating, being principally hemp seed, which is 
very injurious, but liked by all; and is the more hurtful, as it 
inclines them to eat too much. If to this, be added the un¬ 
changed air of the rooms, particularly those which have stoves 
^ instead of chimneys, and the great heat which is kept up 
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