As to the tumours 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 humour run out, the wound afterwards dries and heals.
To soften the pain a little liquid black soap is used. If, from the
softness of the tumour, 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.