INTRODUCTION. 
23 
the perches were then removed, so that the bird was obliged 
to remain in the water, where it was left for half an hour, 
sometimes throwing it hemp seed to amuse it. After repeating 
the bath once or twice, the bird became very fond of it; and it 
was remarked that its feet became, if we may say so, quite 
young again. The scales being sufficiently softened, the 
middle of each was cut lengthwise without reaching the flesh; 
this made the sides easily fall off. It is better to remove only 
two scales a-day, that the bird may not be wearied. By con¬ 
tinuing the bath three times a-week, the feet become healthy 
and supple, and the bird is easy. 
Sore Eyes.— The juice of red beet for drink, and also as a 
liniment, greatly relieves this disorder. Dr. Handel, of Mentz, 
recommends washing the eyes, when disposed to blindness, 
with an infusion of the root of white hellebore. 
Tumors and Ulcers. — As to the tumors and ulcers which 
come on the heads of the birds, Dr. Handel touches them with 
a middling-sized red-hot knitting needle. This makes the 
watery humor run out, and the wound afterwards dries and 
heals. To soften the pain, a little liquid black soap is used. If, 
from the softness of the tumor, matter seems to have formed, it 
should be rubbed with fresh butter until it is come to a head; 
it may then be emptied, and opened by a few drops of essence 
of myrrh. During all this time, the bird must have nothing 
but beet juice to drink. 
Ulcers in the palate and throat may be cured by making the 
bird drink the milk of almonds for several days, at the same 
time lightly touching the ulcers several times a-day with a 
feather dipped in a mixture of honey and borax. 
Moulting.— This occurrence, though natural, is generally 
accompanied with disease, during which the birds ought to be 
taken great care of. Their food should be changed, but with¬ 
out giving any heating delicacies, which are very injurious. 
It has been observed that birds always moult at tne time 
when their food is most abundant; the forest birds may then 
be seen approaching fields and cultivated places, where, having 
plenty of insects and seeds, they cannot suffer from want; 1 
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