^MEMORIAL POUL TRY LIBRARY^ COBNELI UNIVERSITY 'f/ZE GJff OJ \ tL a « n m n n a » n k n n a h a jm n \a Cornell University Library SF 995.D55 Poultry cholera; its cause, nature, preve 3 1924 003 719 394 The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003719394 Poultry Cholera: ITS ^AUSE, NATURE, PREVENTION, AND CURE. A. M. DICKIE, M. D., Do-^fi^Bof^^N, Pa., AND W. H. MEEET, M. D., Editor o4^Boij;rBEEi^ Potjltrt Journal, ^l^E FIFTY CENTS. COPYRIGHTED BY THE AUTHORS, 187 7. LOUISVILLE: COURIEK-JOURlfAL BOOK PRINT. 18 77. From The Library of Dr. OIney Brown Kent PREFACE. In presenting the public with this monograph, we wish to state that it is done because such a work is wanted. "We have given the disease under consideration some study, and briefly give our conclusions in the following pages. We claim no infallibility for our opinions, but ask a careful perusal of the views presented, believing them to be based on trustworthy observations. In compliance with a public demand for a compact presentation of the sub- ject, and to relieve ourselves of a burdensome correspondence, this little work is modestly presented. If what we have written will have a tendency to reduce the losses and vex- ation resulting from Cholera, we shall feel abundantly rewarded. W. H. MEEEY, M. D. July 30, 1877. A. M. DICKIE, M. D. CHAPTER I. INTRODUGTOBY. There is much misapprehension in regard to the necessary care and management of poultry. The most obvious result of this erroneous understanding is the prevalence of diseases of various kinds, which attack and destroy large numbers of fowls. Many enthusiastic persons have had their ardor sensibly cooled by the occurrence of an epidemic of Cholera, Roup, or other ailment. Poultry-keeping is a business which can not be learned in a day, or a year ; but thousands have gone into it who had been led to believe there was nothing to learn about it — all that was necessary, they supposed, was to get- the chickens, and read the journals, and it was done. In many instances the result has been severe loss, pecuniarily, and disappointment and general demoralization in reference to poultry -keeping, resulting in dis- couragement and apathy. This condition of afiFairs must be changed. The poultry interests of the nation are so important that they must be encouraged and sustained, rather than be al- lowed to suflFer. The origin and nature of the diseases which are so destructive must be studied, and we must find out how to manage them. The time is not very far distant when we shall have as careful study of the ailments of our fowls as of the diseases of our other domestic animals. We think that a treatise on the ther- apeutics of the poultry yard, written from the stand-point of intelligent study and experience, would be of as much practical use to the public as such a treatise relating to the horse, or the cow, or other domestic animal. 4 POULTRY CHOLERA. It has heretofore been the fashion to look upon the poultry interest as a subsidiary, no-account-sort-of-an-affair which was beneath the dignity of a man who considered himself capable of writing on the diseases of domestic animals. Probably most authors would feel themselves scandalized if asked to write a book on " hen-doctoring." But the time has come when veterinary science must include the consideration of the diseases of poultry as well as of the more pretentious occu- pants of the stall and sty. We will have such a book some of these days. The main difficulty in the way of the production of a really valuable book on the diseases of poultry consists in this : Those having scientific attainments which would qualify them for the investigation of diseases have no practical experience with poultry ; and those who have had the experience lack the neces- sary intelligence and training to make their work of much value or authority. It is said, " Circumstances make the man ; " and we think the situation is now developed to a point where the man should be forthcoming. We shall expect to see him put in an appearance before long. Practical experience is as necessary as scientific training in writing authoritatively about the diseases of fowls. The two conditions are reciprocal requirements. No man can form a system or a logical method without facts for a basis ; nor can he get the facts without observation and experience. Hence, experience and intelligence must go together to give us what we want in this direction. Mere theorizing will not do, though a degree of theorizing which will give a philosophical explanation is necessary and admissible, but we want theory that is founded on knowledge, and not on notions or hearsay. The study of disease in man or beast is a science, and to study it successfully requires at least a degree of training and intelli- gence on the part of the student. It is complained of by some parties that, because a man treats a scientific subject in a scien- tific way, his labor is not understood by the average reader, and POULTRY CHOLERA. O that it is therefore useless. The writer of these lines has been twitted in a, certain quarter as endeavoring to " show off," in writing on the diseases of poultry — "like most scientific writers, he inclines to go so deep down into professional technicalities as to mar the usefulness of his papers to the general readers," &c. This is mentioned siniply because it comes from a quarter whence we have a right to look for and expect better things. Those who prefer to adopt the language and ideas of the nursery are welcome to do so, and if by that method they can reach and en- tertain the " every-day reader of a poultry journal," we make no objection. We prefer, however, to do our work in our own way, and do not hold ourselves responsible for the mental capacity of the " every-day reader of a poultry journal," or any other kind of a journal. The average popular intelligence does not comprehend many points in connection with disease, whether of man or beast ; but this does not interfere -with popular confidence or belief in the explanations and descriptions given by men who have made a study of them. Suppose we say, speaking of a patient, he has Typhoid Fever, or that he, has been " Sun-struck," or that he has Cholera Morbus, etc., what does any one not educated in medicine understand by it ? Nothing ; but he is satisfied with the technical statement. So, too, in speaking or writing on Poultry Cholera, or other poultry ailments, we are not obliged to explain every technical term, nor to reduce our discourse to the level of the capacity of the " every-day reader of a poultry paper," simply because it would be a waste of time in attempt- ing to perform a very difEcult, if not an impossible, task. If some of the paragraphs in the following pages are a little hard to understand, we recommend that an efifort be made to master them. The language is often necessarily concise, but it is so because we do not wish to write a volume to elucidate and explain all tough places. There are many things to be learned before one can success- fully conduct poultry-keeping. One of the very first of these O POULTRY CHOLERA. is, that " knowledge is power " in the poultry yard, as well as elsewhere. This is evident from the fact that the most intelli- gent, best posted breeders have the least trouble from diseases and other drawbacks. It is time to speak plainly and let it be understood that the poultry business is not simply a pastime, but a science which must be learned by study and experience, just as any other sci- ence is learned. Knowledge and skill are as requisite to suc- cess here as elsewhere. The public must, therefore, get rid of the idea that poultry keeping requires no knowledge, skill, or experience. It is time that less enthusiasm and nonsense, and more skill and science, were seen in the business. When this comes to pass, we shall hear much less complaint of loss and trouble from the ordinary hindrances. There can be no question that much of the trouble complained of is caused by the poultry- keeper not knowing or not practicing the best management, or even good management. We intend to give plain, practical instructions on what we consider good management, and feel sure that where they are followed good will result. We do not intend, however, to write a book on the management of poultry, but shall give short, com- pact rules, for want of room and time. It, therefore, follows that what we say on this head is to be thoroughly understood and practiced. A word to the wise is sufficient. CHAPTER II. POULTRY CHOLERA. Poultry Cholera is a disease of grave importance to all en- gaged, whether for pleasure or profit, in rearing or keeping do- mestic fowls. It visits alike the carefully-tended pets of the amateur, and the less-favored flocks of the farmer and cottager. The disease is more general and fatal in some sections of the country than others — notably in the South and West. In the New England States the malady is not so prevalent, owing, doubtless, to a better knowledge and better management there than elsewhere, and to a considerable extent to different climatic conditions. In the Middle States it occurs more or less every year. This trouble is a comparatively recent one. We well remem- ber its first appearance in the vicinity of Philadelphia, in 1867, now just ten years ago. Previous to that time it was unknown here, but since then we have become pretty well acquainted with it. The name applied to this disease has been criticised by vari- ous observers, but, like other names, when once applied, it sticks. Whether or not it is appropriate, we shall not inquire. It is a name applied, the country over, to a well-known disease. It was applied, in all probability, because of the marked fatality attending it, and the diarrhea usually occurring in the course of the disease. It seemed to resemble to some extent the Asiatic Cholera in the human family. It is epidemic ; it is characterized by diarrhea, as a rule ; it is very destructive to life. Entertaining the views we do concerning the nature and character of the disease, if we were to suggest a name at all we should call it Septicaemia, or blood-poisoning. But the mere 7 8 POULTRY CHOLERA. name is not of mucli importance, provided we know what it meaas in its application. Most of us know what Poultry Cholera is. CLINICAL HISTORY OR SYMPTOMS. General Appearance. — The fowl droops and mopes ; the feathers " stare " — that is, they present a rough, unplumed ap- pearance ; the parts of the head not covered by feathers turn dark or pale, mostly dark. The fowl is weak and much prostrated. Digestive System. — Digestion is arrested ; food is refused ; the crop is filled with sour or fermenting ingesta, so are the other organs above the liver. Diarrhea of a mild character is seen at first, which gradually increases in severity to the end. The droppings are of a yellowish-green color, assuming a more decidedly green and frothy character, and continue as long as the fowl lives. Circulatory System. — The circulation is much disturbed; the pulse is rapid and feeble ; high fever exists, attended by great thirst. The disease is generally developed abruptly in a flock. Hens will be known to lay on one day, and the next day be carried off by the disease ; but it is not always, nor frequently, thus rapid. In flocks where the disease is about to make its appearance, very careful and close observation will discover that the devel- opment of the malady is first denoted by listlessness, some de- rangement of the plumage, yawning or gaping, an indifference to food, and thirst. These symptoms soon become more pro- nounced, and in a short time the characteristic intestinal evacua- tions appear, succeeded by the discoloration of the comb. The blood circulates with difficulty, and the changes in this fluid in- cident to respiration take place imperfectly ; hence the feeble- ness, the congestion, diminished temperature, thirst, apathy, vital prostration, and death. In cases where the disease is so rapidly fatal as to destroy fowls on their perches which seemed to be well on going to roost of course there can be no description of symptoms, but there is POULTRY CHOLERA. 9 little difficulty in diagnosing such cases, since in the same yard there will be other cases presenting most or all of the symptoms we have given. ANATOMICAL CHARACTERS. Post-mortem examination reveals important lesions (morbid conditions). The most apparent is that of the liver. It is ab- normal in size, appearance, and consistence. It is much enlarged, of an unnatural color from congestion and engorgement, appar- ently nearly putrid, being tender and easily broken. Many ob- servers have contented themselves with noting the hepatic lesion, being satisfied that they had discovered the seat and cause of the disease in a disordered liver, and sought no further. The hepatic, though the most obvious and much the easiest seen of the lesions, is by no means the only one. The mucous coat of the intestines is inflamed, presenting the appearance of excoriation in some cases. The biliary secretions are acrid, and excite a high degree of irritation in the bowels, and give rise to the diarrhea. We have not observed inflammation in the crop, but it con- tains sour food, and usually more or less fluid, and gas, gener- ated by the fermentation going on in the ingesta. The gizzard is of normal size, but its muscular walls are flabby and relaxed. This organ contains dried up material or food, arrested in this stage of digestion. The lungs are congested and dark-colored, owing to a want of proper aeration of the blood. The brain and nervous centers are also congested. The blood presents a diseased appearance. It is darker in color than that presented by the blood of a healthy fowl. It is almost black ; is wanting in serum, or the watery pdrtion, and does no seem capable of circulating in the small capillary vessels with its wonted ease and rapidity — in other words, it clogs and congests all the organs. We have never made an analysis of the blood of a fowl dying with Cholera, nor do we know that any one else has. Its gross appearance, as presented to the 10 POULTRY CHOLERA. eye of the observer, is here described. It presents the appear- ance of having undergone important changes. This is the extent to which we have carried our observations in examining the dead fowls. In some cases all the characters . here described do not occur, but the most of them are usually found. PATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS. The clinical history, taken in connection with the anatomical character revealed by post-mortem examination, points to a blood poisoning as the appreciable pathology of the disease — that is to say, the nature of the disease and its cause are found in a morbid condition of the blood. We claim the originality of this view in its application to this disease ; we claim, moreover, that it is the correct theory of the pathology of the disease, and that all the characters be- longing to it may be explained by this theory. The enlarged and diseased liver, the vital prostration, all the phenomena presented in the disease, are secondary, or resultant pathological condi- tions depending upon the disease in the blood. CAUSE. This brings us to inquire what is the cause that produces the blood poisoning. Causes of disease are of two kinds — internal or intrinsic, and external or extrinsic. For example. Rheumatism is produced by an internal cause, supposed to be, lactic acid in the blood. On the other hand, Ague is produced by an extrinsic cause, called, for want of a better name, a miasm. Miasm, or miasmata, is a Greek word signifying " to pollute." As used in medical literature, it signifies infecting substances floating in the air, considered to be noxious to health. The cause of Poultry Cholera is extrinsic — that is, the disease is produced by a cause existing without the fowl, and is miasmatic in character, and is absorbed into the blood of the fowl by breathing. POULTRY CHOLERA. 11 SPECIAL CAUSE. There is a special cause for this disease, as there is for all other well-defined epidemic diseases. And we claim that it is a special miasm, which, when introduced into the hlood, produces the special poisoning. The nature and source of this special miasm are not well un- derstood ; but that it is special and distinct in its character is shown in its capacity to produce only the one special disease. By the term " special," we mean a cause which produces exclu- sively a particular disease. Whenever, therefore, the special character of a disease is clearly established, we attribute it to a special toxical origin. All epidemic diseases have a special character ; they there- fore undoubtedly proceed from special causes. These special causes are viruses, or miasms. There is an important point of contrast between the operation of poisonous viruses and miasms. A virus leads to a reproduction, by the processes of disease, of the poison itself; and hence diseases to which viruses give rise, as Small Pox, Scarlatina, etc., are communicable or contagious, whereas diseases produced by miasms, as Cholera, Ague, etc., are not contagious. Malarial or miasmatic poisons do not usually produce their effect upon the system at once, but require some time, longer or shorter, as the case may be, to develop disease. There may be cases where the poison of the miasm is so malignant as ts produce almost instantaneous disease upon exposure ; but this is not the rule as regards the action of miasms in temperate cli- mates. They require some time to produce their characteristic effects, and a period varying from a few days to several weeks, or even months, may elapse between the time of exposure and the appearance of disease. On the other hand, a miasmatic poison (or a virus) may ac- cumulate in the system without producing any perceptible effect, and then suddenly manifest itself as if by an explosion, and life may be destroyed before reaction can take place. 12 POULTRY CHOLERA. For want of time to continue this elucidation of principles, let us state, for the sake of convenient study and reference, categorically, and very briefly, the laws which guide us in the investigation under consideration. These points are important, and we ask attention to them : I. Epidemic diseases are produced from causes having their sources in extrinsic morbific substances. II. These morbific substances are of the nature of viruses or miasms. III. Viruses consist of appreciable substances, and are prop- agated by contagion ; while miasmatic poisons are impalpable, or inappreciable, and do not give rise to communicable diseases. IV. Miasmatic poisons find their way into the system through the lungs, by means of the respiratory act ; and, being intro- duced into the blood, they produce morbid changes in that fluid, and thus cause disease. V. Every distinct epidemic disease depends upon some special miasmatic poison as its cause. VI. These miasms do not always produce their characteristic efi'ects immediately — they may (and do) act with cumulative force, and destroy life as if by a shock. VII. The soundness of these propositions is recognized by all medical men. Let us apply these points to the subject under consideration. I. Poultry Cholera is obviously an epidemic disease. II. The special character of the disease is well estajHished ; it thereforie depends upon a specific cause. III. The disease is not communicable from one fowl to an- other, hence it is of miasmatic origin. IV. The primary effect of the poison is to produce morbid changes in the blood — zymotic effects — and secondarily to affect local organs. The disease is essentially a constitutional, and not a local, one. V. The poison may accumulate in the blood for a consider- able period without producing any appreciable effect, and, after POULTRY CHOLERA. 13 a time, suddenly manifest itself by the death of large numbers in rapid succession. VI. While we can not define nor describe the miasm that produces Poultry Cholera, we believe it to be generated or formed on premises where the disease prevails : it is of local origin. VII. The cause of Poultry Cholera is, therefore— first, a miasm, and, secondly, a special miasm. The disease is produced by, or is the result of, blood-poisoning, by the process of zymo- sis, or fermentation. We think we can understand and explain all the phenomena of the disease on these general principles. The subject may not be so easily comprehended by all poultry-keepers, but it is recommended that they study up the matter. The more they study it, and the better they understand it, the clearer our po- sition will appear. CHAPTER III. AUXILIAKY CAUSES. Aside from the special cause or source of the disease, predis- . posing or auxiliary causes act an important part with reference to the origin and efficiency of the special cause. Any circum- stance having the effect of depressing or weakening the fowls is an indirect or auxiliary cause. We will classify the co-operat- ing or auxiliary causes under the following heads : 1. Overcrowding. 2. Unfavorable sanitary conditions. 3. An unwholesome, irregular, or vicious dietary. 4. Climatic conditions. 5. Miscellaneous. There is much importance to be attached to these secondary causes ; but it is to be understood that they are themselves in- capable of producing the disease. They act in a double capacity as aiding causes, as we shall show farther on. They first (or some of them) give rise to the special cause, and, second, they furnish conditions which render the fowls susceptible to the in- fluence of the poison after it is generated. It will therefore be seen that a discussion which would leave out of consideration the auxiliary causes would omit a vital part of the inquiry into the cause of the disorder and its production. When fowls are so managed as to put them in a weakened, un- thrifty condition, they are in a shape to be attacked by the poison. On the other hand, where they are overfed and pam- pered, they are not in a healthy state, and are liable to attacks of diseases of different sorts. But a discussion of these points 14 POULTRY CHOLERA. 15 will logically come under the several heads into which we have divided the subject. OVERSTOCKING. This term needs some explanation. What constitutes over- stocking depends upon circumstances. A number which would produce no overcrowding on- a farm or a plantation would cer- tainly overstock a small or limited run or yard. The number of fowls kept on any premises must correspond with the size of it, or the amount of room at command. More, of course, may be kept on a large than a small place ; but overstocking may be, and often is, accomplished on both. We shall not undertake to say how many fowls should be kept in a given space ; but we will say the smaller the space the fewer should be the number of fowls. Overstocking may be practically accomplished with half a dozen head, and it may not be reached with as many hun- dred. So many conditions enter into this problem that a full discussion of it would require more time and space than we can give here. It may be stated generally that there is an inherent difficulty in massing fowls together ; or, what practically amounts to the same thing, in confining small numbers too closely.^ All such attempts invariably result, sooner or later, in disaster. Massing fowls together, whether in large or small numbers, is contra-indicated on many accounts. All classes of animals excrete or exhale certain matters, from their bodies, some of which are solid, some fluid, and some gaseous. They may all be called excretions, and are in every case effete, worn-out, or refuse matter, separated and thrown out from the body by physi- ological processes. The separation and excretion of these effluvia is necessary to the health of the organism, whether of man or beast. It is a fact familiar to physicians and to the general public that overcrowded apartments are unwholesome, and that in the massing of large numbers of people — as in armies, emigrant ships, tenement houses, prisons, &c. — disease is much more 16 POULTRY CHOLERA. prevalent and fatal than under more favorable hygienic circum- stances. In densely occupied quarters the effluvia which are necessarily thrown off accumulate, and by their concentration and decomposition poisonous miasms and gases are generated which produce diseases of various kinds in persons exposed to them. Circumstances modify to a certain extent the character of the diseases thus produced, but they all depend upon one general cause, viz : the poisonous miasms generated in and through the fermentation and decomposition of the excrementi- tious matters thrown off from the bodies of the massed numbers. It is unnecessary to carry this line of illustration any farther. The fact, as we have said, is perfectly familiar to all intelligent people. But we wish to apply the principle to poultry-keeping, and hope the reader will understand and appreciate the force of the reasoning. Birds, including fowls, live naturally in the open air, and, although they are often gregarious in habit, they never crowd one another. They do not run over and trample each other ; the weaker are not subject to the tyranny of the stronger; the rights and requirements of each are preserved intact ; their ex- crements are scattered far and wide ; they always breathe pure air ; they are healthy ; they seek the shade when the sun is hot, and a shelter from the weather when it is cold or stormy. These- are the natural conditions under which the feathered tribes live. They work for a living ; they do not overcrowd or abuse one another, and they are healthy. By domestication we interpose an artificial for this natural regimen or system, and subject our poultry to quite other and different conditions from those of the wild state. They are no longer obliged to hunt or work for their food. We furnish (or ought to) what we consider comfortable and convenient quarters for them ; we teach them to roost and lay in houses, and to live in them during cold or inclement weather. Thus far our prac- tice is good enough, but here is where our trouble begins ; we put too many together under these artificial conditions, and the POULTRY CHOLERA. 17 same result occurs as in putting too many people in close quar- ters — they are affected by epidemic diseases, and a large mor- tality follows. UNFAVORABLE SANITARY CONDITIONS. This division of the subject has more particular reference to the condition of the houses and runs of the poultry. Where the numbers are properly adapted to the size and character of the accommodations, or where correct sanitary regulations are em- ployed, the question is much simplified. But it is because these conditions do not exist that we are writing these pages. Many persons who lose their fowls think they have given proper attention to the sanitary requirements of their premises. Probably some such parties have not appreciated the situation. They may not have been aware of the tendency to the produc- tion of miasmatic poisons in their poultry houses and runs. The conditions hinted at in the preceding topic must be taken into consideration. Some of the various excrements from the fowls may be allowed to accumulate. The exhalations and effluvia, by concentration and decomposition, generate miasms which poison the fowls. The shovel and the broom, though in- dispensable implements to use in the poultry house, can not of themselves destroy or remove a miasm. They are of course good as far as they go, but something more is required ; the whitewash brush, the disinfectant, the fumigation, &c., which act chemically, are as requisite and much more efficient in coun- teracting and removing misasmata and their mischievous effects. How many poultry keepers who have suffered loss have resorted to these sanitary measures ? The specific poison which produces Cholera is generated lo- cally on premises where the disease exists. We have the best reasons for believing this statement is correct. But the miasm is not always generated in the poultry house. This is evident from the fact that the disease often occurs where there is no such house. Grounds of ruiis occupied for some time by poultry bet- 18 POULTRY CHOLERA. come tainted, just as houses occupied by fowls do ; and miasms and poisonous gases are generated in them just as they are in houses. They must be destroyed in the one case as in the other. Fowls, from habit and inclination, always select particular places to rendezvous for resting, loafing, pluming themselves, &c. These places, from long use, become tainted, and give rise to noxious gases, such as are generated in the houses under sim- ilar circumstances. It is a matter of some importance to know and appreciate this fact, inasmuch as it throws light on some dark places. Ventilation is an important sanitary measure. This is a gen- eral statement, but we wish to apply it particularly. " When the hen house is moderately tight, the presence of a few fowls in it will render the atmosphere disagreeable. If it is tight, and lacks proper facilities for ventilation, and accommodates a con- siderable number, the atmosphere is rendered abominable in a single night. The stench arising from the excretions and ex- halations of the fowls under such ciijcumstances is absolutely sickening. If it will not poison a human, it will give him a very poor appetite for his breakfast if he spends ten minutes in such a house immediately preceding the hour for that meal. Close observation will show a similar efi"ect on the fowls occupy- ing such quarters. Animals belonging to the bird class are especially subject to injury from impure air. They are more susceptible to such in- fluences than almost any other class of animals. The pure air of heaven is their natural element ; their blood circulates rap- idly, and any circumstance which interferes with a full supply of pure air acts deleteriously. The subject of ventilation in poultry houses and quarters should receive the attention of every one who is fortunate enough to own them. Fowls frequently, or generally, prefer roosting out of doors in summer time, and they should be allowed to do so under fa- POULTRY CHOLERA. l9 vorable circumstances. If they roost on trees or fences, their droppings must not be allowed to accumulate and ferment in- definitely, but must be removed from time to time, and dry earth, muck, or plaster should be sprinkled freely on the ground where the droppings fall. Fresh, hot lime is very good to use in such cases, particularly where any disease prevails among the fowls. It is scarcely necessary to say that a proper regard for sani- tary requirements will keep fowls and their quarters free from lice. These parasites are a source of much annoyance and real harm to poultry, whether old or young. They can not, of course, be said to stand in a very direct causative relation to the disease, but the annoyance and depressing effect they produce weakens a fowl and increases its susceptibility to disease of any kind, and no poultry keeper worthy of the name will allow lice to act in this way. A proper application of sanitary or hygienic measures will keep the poultry house and run, with all their appurtenances, clean and wholesome. No accumulation of filth and dirt will be allowed — the house will be frequently whitewashed and disin- fected by fumigation and the use of carbolic acid or other disin- fectant. The grounds occupied by the fowls, whether large or small, will receive proper attention ; the broom, the spade or the plow, the disinfectant, will be duly employed to correct taints and destroy poisons in the grounds as in the house. In short, sanitary measures, systematically and intelligently employed, will remove the most powerful co-operating cause in the produc- tion of Cholera, inasmuch as such a course will prevent the pro- duction of poisonous miasms of all kinds, and secure the general comfort and welfare of the stock. UNWHOLESOME, IRREGULAR, OR VICIOUS DIETARY. Besides overstocking and unfavorable sanitary conditions, dietetic irregularities must be classed as auxiliary causes of Cholera. The food and drink of fowls are matters of prime importance with reference to their health and condition. The 20 JPOtJLTRY CHOLERA. dietetics of the poultry yard is a subject which opens a wide field for discussion ; but we shall confine ourselves to as brief a handling as is consistent with our present purposes. This subject, though it has an important bearing as an aux- iliary cause of Cholera, is yet subordiaate in this respect to either of the two preceding auxiliary causes. Some writers on Poultry Cholera have gone so far as to state their belief that the direct cause of the disease could be traced to irregularities in diet (the term diet including both food and drink). Such a position can not be accepted, but there are a few points which we wish to notice briefly. It may be a point of some difficulty to determine what an unwholesome diet for a chicken is. We know a chicken will eat anything that can be eaten, and a good many things which no other domestic animal will touch, and still retain perfect health and vigor. There is, however, such a thing as unwholesome food for poultry. Of this we have abundant evidence in our ob- servations. Whole corn, in hot weather, must be placed in this category. In warm climates, or in the heats of summer in temperate ones, it should not be used as an article of diet, or, if used at all, should be employed very sparingly. In the colder climates of our more Northern latitudes, whole corn is not so objectionable as -a food for fowls, but even here it is dangerous to use it freely during the heats of summer. South of the 40th parallel we would not advise any whole corn at all for the poul- try, except during the coldest weather. In our own yards we feed very little whole corn at any season of the year, and have no hesitation in recommending our practice in this respect to others. We, of course, feed a good deal of corn, but it is first " cracked " or broken at the mill. Grain that is "damaged," and especially that which has been damaged by " heating," is unwholesome food for any kind of stock, poultry included. We have seen bad results from feeding heated corn, even after it had been cracked. Very small quan- POULTRY CHOLERA. 21 titles of damaged grain may be fed to fowls without much dan- ger, but it is certainly hazardous to feed it largely. Butchers' offal is sometimes unwholesome, and not only this, but vicious diet. It is often impregnated with germs of poison- ous fungi, and sometimes is in a state of putridity when the fowls eat it. Such food is unwholesome. Under certain circumstances green food, as clover and other grasses, may be unwholesome, from the presence of microscopic organisms attached to them, either as parasites or accidentally. Other articles might be mentioned as being unwholesome, but they are not staple articles, and need not be referred to. Whole corn, however, and damaged grain, or putrid butchers' offal, should be avoided. Of the fluids of poultry diet, it goes without saying that many of them are unwholesome, and some of them vicious. Rainwater, when exposed for a day or two to the atmosphere, is unwholesome. Stagnant water, or ditch water, is unwholesome. Water that has leached through manure-heaps, or stands in holes or low places in barn-yards or pig-pens, is vicious diet ; a little of it occasionally may do no particular harm, but where it is the principal source of drink for fowls for any length of time, as it sometimes is, it does undoubtedly do harm. Concerning the irregularity of diet, little need be said. Some feed too much, others not enough ; some supply water to their fowls, others allow them to supply themselves the best they can. One party feeds fitfully — that is, a heavy mess to-day and noth- ing to-morrow, and so on. It is a very simple matter to regu- late the dietary management of fowls, but there is more ignor- ance or carelessness, or both, exhibited here than in almost any other point connected with the poultry business. This statement is made deliberately from personal knowledge and observation. Improper and unwholesome food and drink, and irregularity in looking after the stock, supply predisposing conditions by weakening the system and reducing the powers of resistance, and therefore must be classed, however remotely, as an auxiliary cause of Poultry Cholera. 22 POULTRY CHOLERA. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS. Climate seems to exercise a considerable influence as an aux- iliary cause of Cholera. High temperatures act in this capacity in two ways — first, by their efi"ects upon the fowls ; and second, by favoring the production of malaria and miasma. Long continued heat enervates and weakens the fowls. We all know the prostrating effect of high temperatures in our own personsj" and observation leads us to infer corresponding effects in the lower animals. High temperatures are, moreover, con- ducive to the generation of poisonous miasms. Asiatic Cholera, Yellow Fever, Epidemic Dysentery, and all similar zymotic dis- eases occur only in warm weather, and in latitudes where the temperature reaches high ranges. These epidemics subside in temperate latitudes on the approach of cool weather, and cease entirely after the first frosts. Tropical countries are notoriously unhealthy for persons not acclimated or used to them. The climate of these regions pro- duces malaria and miasmata, which render them unsafe and un- desirable localities for natives of temperate climates." It is a fair inference that, considered theoretically, climatic conditions stand in a causative relation to the production of the poisonous miasm which causes Poultry' Cholera. This inference is borne out by the geographical distribution of the disease, and the season when it is most prevalent. It prevails much more extensively in Southern than in more Northern latitudes, while in the Middle latitudes it occurs in the heats of summer or im- mediately succeeding them, but seldom in the winter or cool weather. We do not at present remember having heard com- plaints of the disease North of 42° North latitude, but South of the 38th parallel it has been very prevalent, occurring at almost any season of the year. Hence it is not a violent or hasty con- clusion to say that temperature is a co-operating cause in the production of the disease. Moisture, or its absence, is another climatic condition which exerts an influence in the case. In very dry seasons the disease POULTRY CHOLERA. 23 is much more prevalent than in moist or rainy ones ; and in sections characterized by continued drouths and high tempera- tures, the disease is particularly destructive. Frequent and abundant rains counteract the existence of the miasm, to some extent, by dissolving and washing it into the earth, or away into water courses, thus destroying or rendering it inert. In this case the effect is produced in the runs or yards, and the grounds generally, but will have little or no efifect in the houses, as rains do not, as a general thing, enter them freely enough to cleanse them. High temperatures and dry seasons, then, are climatic con- ditions which act powerfully as auxiliary causes. These are the most difficult to manage of all the co-operating causes, since the regulation of the climate is beyond our power. MISCELLANEOUS. We have now presented a short discussion of some of the most important auxiliary causes, but the list is not yet ex- hausted. -Several miscellaneous and minor co-operating influ- ences may be noticed. Breed has something to do in offering a pre-disposing bias to the disease. The more restless and active the breed, the less is it liable to cholera. Any one who has seen much of the dis- ease, has noticed which breeds suffered most, and can draw his own conclusions. Age has also some influence in reference to the liability to the disease ; where it prevails extensively, no age is exempt, but the older, adult birds are first attacked. Soil and aspect or exposure to the grounds has some influ- ence ; on damp clayey soil the disease is more prevalent than in dry, porous, or gravelly soils. This circumstance should be considered in selecting a site for a poultry-yard. The fashionable furore for big birds has an influence. This may seem to be a very remote cause, but instances occur where the connection between cause and effect was not difficult to 24 POULTRY CHOLERA. trace. The production of mammoth birds involves heavy feed- ing from the shell. High or excessive feeding is a source of trouble of various kinds. High fed fowls are too fat and lazy to do anything but loaf between meals. This is not conducive to health, and puts stock in a condition which renders them more or less susceptible to attacks of Cholera. A general want of the knowledge and tact required in poultry keeping, is mostly at the bottom of the trouble. Intelligent vigilance is the price of poultry. RECAPITULATION. I. Poultry Cholera is a zymotic disease, and is produced by a special poisonous miasm. II. The existence or efficiency of this miasm depends largely or exclusively upon auxiliary causes. III. These auxiliary causes are, to a great extent, within the control of the poultry keeper. CHAPTER IV. NATTJKE OF THE DISEASE. When cholera occurs among a flock of poultry, one or more of the auxiliary causes, treated of in the proceeding chapter, will be found to exist. How do these causes — primary and secondary — act to produce the results seen in the disease? The primary or special cause — the poisonous miasm — depends for its generation or existence on the secondary or auxiliary causes, mainly ; but we now inquire, how the miasm, when it exists, acts to produce the disease. It has been stated the disease is zymotic in character. This means that the miasm or poison, when it is absorbed into the blood, acts as a ferment, and produces morbid changes in that fluid, which, sooner or later, disturb the system and result in what we term disease. Liebig taught that fermentation is owing to a movement of decomposition excited in one body or substance by the mere presence of another body or substance undergoing decomposition. Yeast is a nitrogenous substance in this condition. When it is introduced into a pure saccharine (sugar) solution, it sets on foot a process of change or decomposition which results in the formation of alcohol and carbonic acid out of the sugar. A more, f^imiliar illustration is furnished in the process of baking bread. The small quantity of yeast employed sets up a process of fermentation in the whole batch, and if allowed to proceed undisturbed would produce a change which would spoil the bread for food ; but the fermentation process is cut short by baking, and the heat employed in this operation destroys the fermentation. 25 26 tOULTRY CHOLERA. Another familiar illustration of this idea is seen in the effect of a small quantity of rennet, when introduced into a vat of milk, in the process of cheese-making. So in a miasmatic disease the zymotic agent itself, in a state of fermentation or chemical change, enters the blood and sets up a process of change. This invisible agent produces such a disturbance in the system that it is at last excited into an effort to throw it off or perish in the attempt. This eflfort of the vital functions to eliminate and throw off" the poison is wha,t we call disease. The morbific agent may have been at work for some time without producing a sufficient disturbance in the system to cause a reaction against it. The poison may accumulate to such an extent before the system manifests disorder that it very quickly overwhelms the vital force, and death ensues suddenly. The zymotic agent may be of so malignant a character as to destroy the vital functions in a short time. The disease resulting from this poison is not contagious — that is to say, the miasm does not give rise, by the processes of the disease, to a reproduction of the poison itself ; it is there- fore not communicable from the sick to the well. In other words, it is not " catching " or contagious. It is spread by infection — that is, the special cause that will produce the disease in one fowl will produce it in others similarly exposed to the miasm. It may be asked, " If the disease is a blood poisoning, why do we find the lesions or morbid changes in the liver and other organs ? " This is a fair and legitimate question, but its answer would involve a discussion which the ordinary poultry keeper would scarcely understand, though it would be clear enough to our medical brethren. When it is known that the functions of all the organs depend upon the circulation of the blood, and that their normal, physi- ological functions depend upon a supply of healthy blood, and that any abnormal or unhealthy condition of this fluid will quickly derange the organs and their functions, it will be seen that the diseased liver can easily be accounted for. POULTRY CHOLERA. 27 The liver is the largest gland in the body of all animals. It performs very important functions in the animal economy, and separates different kinds of excrementitious matter from the blood, and suffers promptly when any abnormal condition of the blood exists. The majority of people who suffer from malarial disorders know the liver is always more or less affected by them. It can therefore be shown that the diseased liver results from a primarily diseased blood ; and so of the other secondary lesions. The abrupt arrest of digestion is owing to a partial or com- plete paralysis of the pneumogastric or parvagum nerve. This nerve supplies the stomach and heart with motor influences. When it is paralyzed of course this influence is cut off. If the splanchnic or epigastric (stomachic) branch alone is affected, di- gestion stops ; but if the cardiac or heart branch is paralyzed, syncope ensues, and the fowl dies immediately. For some cause not well understood, miasmatic diseases, when they occur in the lower animals (and they are not infrequent), are often attended with this complication of disturbance of the eighth pair of cranial nerves. My attention was called to this fact many years ago by an eminent veterinary surgeon. While, therefore, we can not account for the occurrence of this paralysis of the eighth pair, the fact itself helps us to understand some phenomena of the disease which would otherwise be quite ob- scure. A poisoned blood, however, is the key which will unlock the secret involved in the paralysis. The nerve centers require pure, healthy blood as a stimulus to the performance of their functions, and an impure or poisoned blood will soon affect these centers unfavorably. This part of the subject has now been presented with sufii- cient clearness and detail. Every poultry keeper will not be able to understand all the points presented^, but what he can not understand he must take for granted, because the points pre- sented are in accordance with the facts. Study and investiga- tion will prove this, and they are recommended to all wanting further insight into the matter, CHAPTER V. DIAGNOSIS. Mistakes in diagnosis are not infrequent. A sudden change in the diet of a flock may, and sometimes does, produce dysen- tery or diarrhea, and several may die. The owner supposes the fowls had cholera. The ailments of poultry are not well under- stood, and it is sometimes convenient to assign losses from va- rious diseases to the " chicken disease," meaning Cholera. Correct diagnosis is sometimes difficult to determine. Cases occur where close observation fails to determine the real nature and seat of a disease. Post-mortem examinations will help to determine the name of the disease, since in Cholera some or sev- eral of the signs mentioned in a preceding chapter will be found. The enlarged and diseased liver, the black, thick blood, &c., are pathognomonic signs — that is, characterizing the disease, and signs by which it may certainly be known. When the diagnosis is clearly and satisfactorily made out, the next question is, What is to be done ? TREATMENT. The discussion of the treatment of the disease logically di- vides itself into two heads : I. Prophylaetie, or preventive treatment. II. Medical, or curative treatment. Each of these subdivisions is of sufficient importance to re- quire a separate chapter for its consideration, 28 CHAPTER VI. PEOPHYLAXIS. In this chapter we shall speak of sanitary and dietetic man- agement. What will be said on these points may be inferred from what was said on them in discussing auxiliary causes. It may furthermore be said that " this is old and familiar ; " " we knew this long ago ; " " we can get this in the journals," &c. It is readily admitted that not much that is -new to many readers will be found in this chapter ; but it may be new to some, and will be of use to all who keep fowls, if they will practice the suggestions here made. It is certainly very trite to say " you must keep your fowl houses clean ; " " don't keep too many together ; " " feed in moderation and with judgment," &c., &c.; but these are the ideas which must be repeated, ex- plained, rubbed in, till they are more generally practiced. The sanitary management is an important part of the busi- ness. The majority of poultry keepers seem to think their fowls can take care of themselves without any assistance on the part of their owners. This is as unreasonable as to suppose the horses or the cows would succeed under similar circumstances. Sanitary laws are such as pertain to or are designed to secure health. In poultry keeping, regard for these laws receives too little attention. Large numbers are crowded and huddled to- gether, and little or no care is given to secure cleanliness and comfort ; flocks are compelled to hive and roost in badly venti- lated houses ; floors are covered by and impregnated with ex- crementitious filth ; the effluvia from the bodies of the fowls ac- cumulate and condense ; these ferment and decompose, and gen- erate miasms which kill the stock. This is not overdrawn. We know what we are talking about. 29 30 POULTRY CHOLERA. Very few people succeed long in. keeping too many together. Where it is desirable to raise large or considerable numbers, the flock should be separated and colonized in small or moderate sized flocks, each flock to have suitable accommodations. All large breeders understand this and practice it in one way or an- other. The farmer or planter may also do it to a sufficient ex- tent by putting his young broods in difi'erent localities about the farm or plantation and keeping them there. Overstocking is not as apt to occur on farms as on small places. Enough has already been said on this subject. The whole matter may be summed up thus : Either stock must have plenty of room, or extraordinary care must be exercised, when they are closely confined in small places. Cleanliness in the poultry quarters is a sanitary requirement of prime importance. Good ventilation is absolutely necessary. Houses must be frequently cleaned up and whitewashed. Fre- quent applications of disinfectants and fumigations to destroy vermin and noxious gases and miasms are imperative. Advice like this has been stated so often in books and peri- odicals that it is trite and stale. Yet it is just as important as it ever was, and any one who attains success, or hopes to, must adopt and practice these stale precepts. If " cleanliness is next to godliness" in our ordinary affairs, it is about equal to it in poultry keeping. Most people know how to use a shovel, a broom and a white- wash brush in a poultry house, but they do not put their knowl- edge sufficiently into practice. If these tools are used with proper care and diligence, fumigation and disinfectants- will not be as necessary as in cases where they are not thus employed, but in all sections and under all circumstances, where high tem- peratures and long continued drouths prevail, fumigation is necessary, and this is how to do it : Close the house as tight as possible and burn a pound or two of sulphur and rosin together inside. The fire may be built on the floor, if it be an earthen one, or in an old iron pot or kettle, if it is not. The ordinary iPOtJLTRY CHOLERA. 3l portable furnace used by sutlers, hunters, emigrants, &c., is a very convenient thing for the purpose. It is not expensive ; it ■will last indefinitely ; one such furnace will do the fumigating for a neighborhood, and its cost may be divided among a dozen neighbors. Some burn gas tar, or common tar as fumigants. They are not as good as the sulphur. Whatever advantages they might contain can be got from the rosin, which is used to insure the burning of the sulphur. Shavings or rags, saturated with carbolic acid, may be added to the fire with advantage. The process is to be continued for some time. The house is to be kept closed for an hour or two, so as to allow the fumes to penetrate as far as possible and produce their full efi'ect. When this has been accomplished the house is to be opened and aired, and is ready for the occupation of the fowls again, which, of course, have been outside during the fumigation. This opera- tion, performed every four or six weeks, provided ordinary methods of cleanliness have been practiced, will keep the house free from odors and miasms. During heated terms, and at any time, carbolic acid should be used about the henery as a disinfectant. It may be mixed with water at the rate of a fluid ounce to the gallon, and sprinkled on the floors, nests, roosts, walls — everywhere on the inside of the house. It should also be used in the grounds near the house, and in the places where the fowls are in the habit of congregating, their places of feeding, &c. A piece of old horse blanket, or carpet, or similar fabric, may be wetted with a strong solution of the carbolic acid and hung or tacked up inside of the poultry house. Bottles con- taining the acid may be hung, uncorked, inside of the house and left there. Carbolic acid is one of the most powerful and best disinfectants known. It is not very expensive, and is found in the shops in blue glass pint bottles. The crude, cheaper sorts, say No. 4, is the kind to use. Every poultry keeper will find it profitable to use carbolic acid. Besides the use of carbolic acid in the yards and runs, as a 32 POULTRY CHOLERA. disinfectant, the spade or the plow, or both, must be used. Grounds will become tainted, and when they do, are nearly as fruitful sources of miasms as filthy, neglected houses. Spading or plowing the ground will correct the taints, which usually exist on the surface. The earth has a wonderful capacity to absorb and neutralize noxious substances, whether solid, fluid, or gaseous. This is well illustrated in the use of dry earth in the commode, in privies, and wherever there is occasion to use it. Grounds which are frequently stirred and exposed to atmospheric and solar influences will be sweet and wholesome, and not give rise to poisonous miasms. Where convenient, fresh lime may be sprinkled over the grounds occasionally. Cleanliness and wholesomeness must be secured in the houses and runs. Where this is absolutely done the disease will not appear. The reader is urgently advised to "post himself" on the subject of sanitary management, and to practice all he knows of hygienic laws. The next topic under the head of prophylactic treatment is that which relates to feeding. Most persons think themselves competent to feed chickens as they ought to be fed, but such is not the case. Perhaps one poultry keeper in a dozen knows how to feed; two or three more of the dozen may have views approximating the correct one, while the remainder of the num- ber know really nothing about it. We have neither the time nor the inclination to write an essay on how to feed poultry, but will make a few general suggestions which we consider of importance in this connection. Only wholesome food should be given. Millions of bushels of " damaged " grain are annually fed to poultry. From June 1st to the end of the season the man who is obliged to buy his poultry feed in the general grain market is mostly obliged to buy that which is more or less damaged. This is particularly true of corn, which constitutes perhaps nineteen-twentieths of all the grain given to poultry. Grain damaged by heating or otherwise is unwholesome food, and should not be used except POULTRY CHOLERA. 33 on compulsion. Supposing the food to be wholesome, it should be fed to adult birds quite sparingly in hot weather. Almost any other grain, as wheat, oats, barley, buckwheat, &c., is pre- ferable to corn for the summer feeding of adult fowls. Too many feed their poultry almost exclusively on corn, whole corn at that, winter and summer. This is not good practice in coun- tries where Cholera occurs. A much cheaper and better feed for summer is boiled pota- toes. They should be crushed or mashed and mixed with bran or shorts, or oat meal, or barley meal, and sour milk, where it is to be had, and the whole poured into troughs, in shaded places. This food is wholesome and nutritious, and will serve for both old and young. It is to be given in the morning, and a little wheat, oats, or buckwheat at night. Young, growing stock must be fed differently and more abundantly. In warm weather fowls are more apt to suffer for water than for feed. This is a point well worth the attention of all who have diseased stock. If good water is not within reach of the fowls they will drink that which they can get, whether it is wholesome or poisonous. Water found in stagnant ponds or pools, or puddles, or ditches, or that is impregnated with the leachings from manure heaps or pig pens is unwholesome, and not fit for any animal to drink. Thus in both the food and drink of poultry it is important that the supplies be good and wholesome; and in the case of water, that it be plenty and accessible. If a wholesome and varied diet is furnished, and administered with regularity and judgment — in short if brains are put into the poultry business we should hear fewer com- plaints of disease and disappointment. Let the food be wholesome. Feed in moderation. Vary the diet. Supply plenty of fresh, pure water. CHAPTER VII. II. MEDICAL TKBATMBNT. When Cholera breaks out in a flock it must be met with prompt treatment. It will be inferred from what has been said that prevention is better than cure. So it is. But when we have Cholera in our yards we must try and cure it. As soon as a flock is known to be infected, feed only on the boiled potato mess as recommended in the last chapter, and feed it a little warm. Into this mess stir a little soda bicarb, and a considerable quantity of charcoal, broken fine or pulverized. A few drops of coal-oil may also be mixed into the slop. Fowls that are too ill to eat, and are worth the trouble, are to be placed by themselves, and to be treated with pills made thus : Blue Mass, 60 grains ; pulverized Camphor, 25 grains ; Cayenne Pepper, 30 grains ; pulverized Rhubarb, 48 grains ; Laudanum, 60 drops. Mix and make into 20 pills, and give one to each fowl every four or five hours, until they act freely ; when they have acted give half a teaspoonful of Castor Oil and 10 drops of Laudanum to each aff'ected fowl. As drink give them scalded sour milk, into which mix a little " Douglass Mixture." If they seem to improve under this treat- ment continue it until they get better. When the pills have acted freely on the liver and bowels, give them alum water or strong white-oak bark tea to drink, and allow them no other drink. Astringents are not to be administered until after the purgative medicine has acted, but after this the astringents are indicated. 34 POULTRY CHOLERA. 35 This treatment, if faithfully administered, will give the dis- eased fowls about the best chance for recovery ; but after they are attacked many will die under any treatment. Attention is to be especially directed to those that are not so ill, and most of them will escape. There are many remedies and " cures " advertised in the papers. Some of them are no doubt good, and may be tried. Entertaining the views we do of the nature and pathology of the disease, we must confess we can not understand the rationale of some remedies we have read of in the papers and journals. In many cases a man will have tried everything he has heard of, and when the disease abates he thinks the last thing tried is the cure, and recommends it. But in the hands of another man, or in his own at another time, it will fail. Remedies have generally been addressed to the symptoms, rather than to the real disease. This was natural enough, per- haps, under the circumstances, since those who apply them are not skilled in therapeutics, as a rule. Popular ideas concerning the properties and uses of medicines, and their application in treating diseases, are not geaerally very philosophical, and when amelioration occurs under such circumstances it is rather a co- incidence than a result of such treatment. In every case where the disease occurs attention to hygienic conditions is of the highest importance — clean up, whitewash, disinfect, use carbolic acid freely. Spade up the grounds or plow them up ; use dry earth freely in the houses, and fresh lime in the yards and runs. Prevent the fowls from drinking stale or filthy water, feed moderately, and never use whole corn. Medicines of a tonic and alterative character are to be given in the slops. These will include preparations of iron — some Sulphur, some Cayenne pepper, fine charcoal, ad libitum, Al- kalis, as Soda, and the Lactic Acid of the milk, or in the ab- sence of milk a little good vinegar occasionally. These are not to be all given at once, but one or two at a time and in alterna- tion day about. 36 POULTRY CHOLERA. The " Douglass Mixture " is made thus : Take of Sulphate of Iron (common Copperas), 8 ounces ; Sulphuric Acid, 5 fluid ounce. Put these into a bottle or jug ; then add one gallon of water. As soon as the iron is dissolved the " medicine " is ready to use. In hot weather, or when the flock is small, less may be pre- pared at once ; but the above proportions should be observed. This "mixture" or tonic may be given in the slops or mush used as feed every other day. A gill for every 25 head, big and little, is not too much. And where there is infection it is to be used every day ; but where there is no disease not so often^ or in smaller quantities, if it be used every day. This preparation takes its name from a celebrated English fancier, who probably invented it. He gave it to the public at any rate, and it is called " Douglass Mixture " after Mr. Doug- lass, the man referred to. This preparation, simple as it is, is one of the best tonics for poultry known. It is alterative as well as tonic, and possesses, besides, antiseptic properties which makes it a remedy as well as a tonic. Any medicine or treatment employed in the management of this disease must have the prevention or cure of the blood-pois- oning as its objective, and must be directed toward this end. This is where the trouble lies, and to this our treatment must be addressed. Petroleum or coal-oil has been strongly recommended as a remedy and a preventive. We have never seen any explanation of its remedial or prophylactic powers in this disease, but can believe without hesitation that it is a useful article in the treat- ment of the disease. It is recognized as possessing properties well adapted to meet the requirements of a remedy. It is stim- ulating, diaphoretic, alterative, and antiseptic. The administra- tion of a remedy possessing these properties is indicated. Coal- oil is known to be of a very " searching " nature when swallowed POULTRY CHOLERA. 37 and containing, as it does, so many active antiseptic properties, it is undoubtedly a remedy that should be employed. A. J. Hill, of Ohio, who published a treatise on Poultry Cholera, recommends coal-oil very highly. Although we never tried it, nor saw it tried, we would advise a trial of it. When administered it is to be mixed in the slop or soft-feed. After all, however, thorough sanitary management, a correct, and regular system of feeding and watering, protection by the use of shade trees or sheds against the burning heats of the sun, and the adoption of methods that will promote the comfort of the stock, will be found highly important in the management of the disease. There are several Poultry Medicines advertised in the jour- nals. Any one desiring to try them may do so. But it will be expecting to much, probably, to suppose that any advertised remedy is a specific, and that it will cure the disease immediately after it breaks out in a flock. Moreover, in many cases, where the disease occurs, proper sanitary measures are not adopted, and remedies do little good, no matter what may be used. I have known poultry keepers to allow their flocks to die by de- fault rather than clean up, disinfect, and put things in proper order. But when the teachings of this little book are followed faithfully, we believe the management of the disease will be fully under control. With the hope that our expectations may be realized, we submit our work to the public. Fanciers' Journal DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE FANCIERS' INTERESTS. Splendidly Illustrated. Strictlythe FANCIERS' FRIEND: Fearless in the right; Full of PRACTICAL INFORMATION for the BREEDER and AMATEUR. Its contributors are Experienced Breeders, Naturalists, and Scientists. — It gives the best and earliest SHOW REPORTS.— It is a complete HAND- BOOK of REFERENCE for Poultry and Pigeon Fanciers. — It treats largely on Natural Science in its most famil- i a r form. Subscribers may begin with any number. Free by mail for $1.50, payable in advanc*. Sample copy 15 cents. IT IS A VALUABLE HOUSEHOLD MAGAZINE. AGENTS WANTED. Write for terms to JOSEPH M. WADE, Publisher, Hartford, Conn. FOR SALE AT Prices to Suit the Times, and Quality of Stock Warranted, 100 Light Brahma Hens, 25 Light Brahma Cocks, 20 Blacl< Hamburg Hens, 5 BUcIc Hamburg Cocl(S, 20 Plymouth Rocl( Hens, 3 Plymouth Rock Cocks, 50 White Leghorn Hens, 5 White Leghorn Cocks. ALSO GAME BANTAMS, SILKIES, ROUEN AND PEKIN DUCKS. These are all from my breeding yards of 1877, and are fine, many of them Very High- Class Exhibition Birds, And are sold because I must make room for my young stock. Also a fine lot of liight Brahmas, Black Hamburgs, Plymoutli Bocks, Black African Bantams, B. B. Ked Game Bantams, Jap- anese SilkleSjWliite and Brown Legliorns and Pekin and Kouen Ducks Of this year's hatch. I have as good as the best, and sell as low as the quality of stock will permit. I EAT ALL MT CHEAP OK CtTLL STOCK, Consequently I have none for sale. JAMES M. liAMBING, Parkers' Landing, Fa. SALISBURY STRAIN of WHITE LEGHORNS The original and best laying strain. BROWN LEGHORNS, Our Boston strain. Never beaten. That excel all others. PLYMOUTH ROCKS. Our " Dictator " strain always dictates, and wins erery prize entered for : cious, and best of layers. H O XT D A. N^ S. very preco- The fowls that lay the largest eggs and grow the heaviest: selected especially for these qualities. WHITE-FACED BLACK SPANISH, ANDALUSIANS, WHITE COCHINS, And all colors of Owl, Turbit, Jacobin, Fantail, and Magpie Pigeons. "We wish it distinctly understood that, unless specially stated, we offer no fowls or eggs for sale except those bred on our own farm, where they are under the personal care and supervision of Mr. Salisbury, whose reputation and experience as a breeder should be ample guarantee of the purity and excellence of the stock. Our fowls are all bred with an eye to the largest production of eggs, and we think Fanciers will find that our strains excel many others in this, the greatest of all good qualities. We shall at no time sell any fowl that would be disqualified by the A. P. A. stan- dard, and every endeavor will be madp to give entire sntisfnction in every .shipment. THE SALISBURY COMFAWY, Nyack, New York. A splendid 3-column, 32-page Illustrated Monthly Magazine, devoted to the breeding and management of Poultry, Pigeons and Pet Stock IT HAS THE LARGEST CORPS OF PRACTICAL BREEDERS As editors and correspondents of iiny Journal of its class in America, and is the FINEST POULTRY JOURNAL IN THE WORLD, AND IS ONE OF THE BEST ADVERTISING MEDIUMS in the UNITED STATES Subscriptions SI. 25 per year for plain edition; J2.00 per year for Chromo-plate edi- tion (each number containing a beautiful 8 to 10 color plate of prize fowls), strictly in advance. Send 13 cents for specimen copy of Plain edition, or 20 cents for specimen copy of Chromo edition. B®"No attention paid to postal cards asking for specimen numbers. C. J. WARD, Editor and Proprietor, 182 Clark St., Chicago, III. T US Poultry World IS PUBLISHED AT HARTFORD, CONN. H. m. iTOBBAEB, IDM-Om. This is an elegantly illustrated and carefully conducted quarto Monthly Magazine for the Fancier, the Family, the Breeder of Fowls, and the Market Poulterer, To whose interests its pages are specially devoted. The PouLTBY Would aims to maintain its reputation as the leading Amer- ican Journal of its class, and its circulation is admitted to he by far the largest of any strictly poultry publication in the country. An attractive feature is presented this year in our series of original Superior Chromo Illustrations Of modern standard specimens of Fowls ; twelve of which elegant full-page pic- tures are furnished to the Poultet Woeld subscribers at a cost of only seventy- five cents, in addition to the regular price of the Magazine ($1.25). These Chromos are sent to the order of parties who are not subscribers to the Poultey WoELD for twenty-five cents per single copy, or $2.00 per set of twelve pictures This undertaking has met with a success quite unanticipated ; but the low price at which the beautiful Chromos are sold by us (6J cents each, where the full set is ordered by our subscribers), has prompted almost all our patrons to order them. No such enterprise as this has ever before been undertaken by any Poultry Journal in the world. And our subscribers are vastly pleased with these elegant, genuine Chromos, as their constant approval attests. TEEMS. — $1.25 for first year's subscription ; 75 cents additional for the twelve Chromos in 1877 ; $1.00 a year, after first year, to same address. Clubs of two or more (when desired) sent to separate addresses at $1.00 each. These rates include postage. Back numbers always on hand — 10 cents each. Back volumes, I.^ II., III., IV., or V., mailed (unbound) for $1.00 ; bound volumes, each, $2.00. Address, H. H. STODDARD, Poultry World, Hartford) Conn. Canada Poultry Journal. A 24-page Monthly, Devoted to Poultry, Pigeons, Etc. Under the new management we will make this popular journal indispensable to the BREEDER, FANCIER and PARMER. The aim of the proprietor will be to make it one of the best poultry papers published, and fully up to the times. Our readers will always find this paper wide awake to all matters appertaining to the a,dvancement of Poultry interests. It will be printed on fine paper, and illustrated with New and Origi- nal Engravings. Arrangements have been made with several of the best poultry breeders to contribute regularly to its columns. The circulation of the Journal is now a large one, and affords inducements to advertisers excelled by none in the Dominion, and by very few in the States. Price $1.00 per annum, in advance. Single copies 10c each. Address S. FRANK WILSON, Publisher and Proprietor, Send lOo for Sample Copy now. TorontOj Ontario. IVESTEFIN F.A.NCISIIS' .A-GrSITCY. H. BOSSCH, Kane, Greene County, 111., Manager. Will buy, sell, and exchange Pet Stock and Poultry. Singing Birds always on hand, such as Canaries, Red-birds, Mocking-birds, Nonpareils, Goldfinches, etc. Agent for Poultry Books and Poultry Journals, Imperial Egg Food, Egyptian Egg Producer, Beckmann's Poultry Powder, German Roup Pills, Carbolic Powder, and everything useful to poultry breeders. Also Prepared Mocking-bird Food, Canary, Maw, and Rape Seeds for birds, and Sunflower Seed for planting. CENTRAL KENTUCKY POULTRY YARDS. HIGH CLASS LIGHT BEAHMAS & P. COCHINS, (WILLIAMS AND BICKNBLL STRAINS.) Warranted pure. Fowls and chicks for sale. Also eggs in season. Address, J. P. SANDlFBB, Lancaster, Ky. PIT GAMES A SPECIALTY. We breed a very superior quality of games for the Pit, WABBA:»f TED TO BE HABD FIGHTEBS & DEAD GAME Also B. B. KED and YELLOW DUCKWING GAMES, very fine. Fowls and eggs for sale at reasonable prices. Correspondence solicited. P. A. POX & BBO., 229^ Third Ave., IiouisvtUe, Ky. I. N. BARKER, THORNTOWN, IXD., BREEDS HIGH-CLASS Buff and P. Cochins and Light Brahmas. Also Golden and Silver Sebright Bantams, all of the best quality. A fine lot of chicks for sale. Also best quality Berkshire Pigs. OSCAR DOOLITTL£, ADRIAN, MICH., BREEDER OF Superior Buff Gocbins Exclusivel/. My birds are considered by the best judges to be equal, if not superior, to any yard in this country. 300 Chicks for sale. Some very fine exhibition birds at reasonable prices. Eggs in season, $5.00 perdozen. GERMAN ROUP PILLS. This old-established and popular remedy has given such universal satisfaction that we have secured its exclusive proprietorship. Agents Wanted. Agents Wanted. Agents Wanted. We want a suitable Agent in every town in the United States and Canada, to sell the GERMAN ROUP PILLS. This medicine has been before the public over five years, and is well-known to poultry-keepers, afad sells readily. We offer a liberal discount to our agents. The Roup is the most prevalent disease among poultry, and a poultry dealer can sell many packages in a year among his customers, w^ith very little trouble. Apply at once and secure an agency. There are spurious Roup Pills in the market, the ven- dors of w^hich are trying surreptitiously to profit by the well-earned fame of the original German Roup Pills. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS. Eetail Price, 50 cents per box of genuine Roup Pills, sent by mail to any address on receipt of price. Address H. H. STODDARD, Editor and Proprietor of Poultry World, HARTFORD, CONST. The Poultry Nation PUBLISHED BY THE POULTRY NATION COMPANY, AT ELYRIA, OHIO, Is a Handsomely Illustrated and printed 20-page Monthly, devoted exclusively to Poultry & Pet Stock in all their Branches Edited by a score of the leading Breeders in America, and full of valuable information to every Breeder, Fancier and Parmer. It is decidedly the CHEAPEST OF ITS CLASS PUBLISHED, Only 75 cents a year. Send for Sample CopieB— 10 cents. AS AN ADVERTISING MEDIUM, It can not be excelled. Its circulation is very large, extending into every State and Territory in the Union, also throughout the Canadas. Rates low, and sent on application. "WTE ALSO MAKE A SPECIALTY OF Fine Poultry Job Printing. Our assortment of cuts is not excelled in the West, and our patrons have free use of them. Send for specimen sheet of cuts and prices. Address all communications to POULTRY NATION" CO., Elyria, Ohio. Young Mohawk Poultry Yards L. E. SIHSABAUGH, Breeder and Shipper of Superior LIGHT BEAHMAS, DARK BEAHMAS, BUFF OOOHIITS, Feleh strain. Mansfield strain. Jones strain. PLYMOUTH BOOKS, TOULOUSE GEESE, PART. COCHINS, Todd strain. Todd strain. P. Williams strain. GOLD-LAOED SEB. BANTAMS, IMPERIAL PBKIN DUCKS, Todd strain. Todd strain. My breeding stoek, as will be seen, has been purchased of the most reliable breeders in the country, and with a view to merit, regardless of price : and I am now confident that my stock is as good as that of any breeder in the United States. I have every con- venience for raising fine stock, and devote the greater part of my time to it, and ask those wanting good stock to give me a trial. I am booking orders now for eggs, which I can pack so as to carry safely any distance. Having succeeded in raising about 400 of the above varieties, I am now in shape to dispose of some No. 1 birds. Orders booked now. "Write for just what you want. AH letters or postal cards nheerfully and fully answered. Illustrated circular tree. I am also agent for SHER'WOOD'S IMPERIAL EGG EOOD, indispensible to any one raising poultry. Address L. E. SIWSABAUGH, Syracuse, Otoe county. Neb. "Old Robertson" Still Ahead and Bound to Win! CZiiiB.ZSE TAZiZiSV, J. F., Breeder of High-Class Poultry and Poland-China Hogs. "Write for Particulars (Freej. Saddlersville, Kobertson Co., Tenn. T. E. GB.ZST, Blakely, Ca., BREEDEE Olf PIT MES OEY AND WARRANTED DEAD ME. Tarter, Cooper, and other varieties a specialty. Steel gaffs, or any book or journal pertaining to poultry, furnished at lowest price. WIIXIAM HT^OEL, BKE-BDEK OF Dark Brahmas and B. B. R. Game Bantams p. O. Box 579, TORONTO, CANADA. EVEKY POTJLTKT-KEEPEK SHOULD USE DICKIE'S POULTRY POWDER, It will Keep Stock Healthy and Thrifty. Price $2 per dozen, $18 per gross. Correspondence solicited. Address A. M. DICKIE, M. D., Doylestown, Pa. H. S. FSCS, Sarlville, Oh.io, Breeder and Shipper of HIGH-CLASS POULTRY Consisting of nearly all the leading varieties of both land and water fowls. Won over $1,000 in prizes in three years. For particulars see advertisement in Southern Poultry Journal. Price List free. THE ~ Dominion Poultry Gazette A Handsomely Illustrated First-class Monthly, published at Gait, Ont. Canada, and devoted exclusively to POULTRY, DOGS, AND OTHER PET STOCK. Subscription $1 00 a year, single copies 10 cents. Volumes I. and II. for- warded to any address on receipt of $1.50. Volume I. now completed. TO ADVERTISERS IT OFFERS GREAT INDUCEMENTS. RATES AS FOLLOWS: 1 Month. 2 Mos. 3 Mos. 6 Mos. 12 Mos. 1 Page ...$10 00 $15 00 $20 00 $30 00 $50 GO I Column .... 8 00 12 00 15 00 25 00 35 00 1-2 Column .. ... 6 00 8 00 10 00 18 00 25 00 1-4 Column .. .... 3 00 6 00 8 00 12 00 16 00 1-8 Column .. .... 1 50 3 00 4 00 6 00 9 00 It is the best paper of its kind published in the Dominion, and breeders in Canada, the United States, and Great Britain will find it one of the very best advertising mediums. This paper being indorsed by the leading fanciers in Canada, will guarantee its spread over the entire Dominion. Correspondence and advertising solicited. Correspondence must be in by the 20th of each month, and advertisements by the 24th, as in future our paper will be issued on the 1st of the month. Address, ' DOMINION POULTRY GAZETTE, Box 32, Gait, Ontario, Canada. R. TWELLS, Montmorency, Ind. Breeder and Fancier of Standard Bed File and Black-breasted Red Game Bantams and Malays, season, $2 per dozen. Send for Circular. EGGS, in