

General Treatment. The bullfinch should be 

 fed principally on summer rape-seed, to which may be 

 added a little canary and hemp seed ; sugar, sweet- 

 cakes, or such like delicacies, spoil their taste, and 

 should not be given to them. A little greens in the 

 summer, or sweet apple in the winter, is very whole- 

 some, both of which must be fresh. The cage should 

 not be very large, a foot square is sufficient, with a flat 

 top — bell shaped ones they do not like so well. They 

 should be cleaned" weekly, the bottom covered with dry 

 gravel. Those that like to bathe must be supplied with 

 an extra cup of water. Their claws must be cut at 

 least twice a year. They must always be handled very 

 gently, as they are easily frightened, harsh treatment 

 often causing their death. As this bird becomes very 

 much attached to its feeder ; it is recommended that the 

 owner will undertake this care himself, which enables 

 him to cause the bird to come out of the cage, sit on 

 his finger, and whistle at his command, which is very 

 amusing. 



The general disorders of the bullfinch are moulting 

 (which is in the month of September), costiveness, 

 hoarseness, and epilepsy ; if attacked with such, they 

 may be treated as is described under the head of dis- 

 eases. When properly treated, this bird will attain the 

 age of five or six years. 



