THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD, 
DISEASES. 
The blackbird is particularly subjec; to a stoppage of the 
oil gland, which may be softened by the application of fresh 
butter, mixed up with a good deal of sugar, the aperture being 
enlarged by gently distending it with a needle, or a small 
knife; but a lead salve, or rather a salve of litharge of silver, 
white lead, wax, and olive oil, which must be ordered at an 
apothecary’s, opens it best. The usual remedy is to pierce it 
with a needle, or to cut off the hardened gland. If this evil 
have not yet too severely atfected the health of the bird, it 
may be sought to be remedied by puncturing the gland, com¬ 
pressing it frequently, bathing the bird with a syringe, and 
plucking out some of the feathers of the tail. The accumulated 
fat is absorbed in the renewal of the feathers, when the gland 
i ssumes its natural functions. 
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