50 THE CANARY BIRD. 



of air are again avoided, and a few drops of 

 sherry are at other times sprinkled over them 

 in the morning ; after which they are set in 

 the sun to dry. 



THE PIP. 



It is doubted much whether any such thing 

 as the pip exists, from the wren to the goose. 

 A small projection on the rump is found, 

 which some writers tell us nature has given 

 them, furnished with an oily substance, to 

 trim and keep their feathers in glossy order. 

 Many persons, on seeing this natural promi- 

 nency, think immediately that the bird has 

 got the pip, when with a pin they hastily 

 make an incision in the projection, and force 

 out all that which is of service to the birds, 

 and through this received error, many a fine 

 bird has been killed. 



If you should at any time perceive an ex- 

 tra bladder of matter forming round or close 

 by the original spot, then you may prick that 

 inflamed part with a fine needle, and put on 

 it one drop of the oil of almonds or olive oil. 



The true cause of this appearance is, some- 

 times your bird will be out of health, set 

 bunchy, and twitch in his tail frequently; 

 when that is the case, see if his motions be 

 hard, and if so, give him some oat-meal, and 

 a sprig of water-cress for a few mornings to 

 cool and open the body' ; change his seed for 

 a few days, and put one or two drops of the 



J 



