142 Bird-keeping. 



reach of its rays ; and in an aviary on a cold day, they 

 will crowd one against another to get into the sun- 

 shine, e Old birds especially need this ; but when they 

 cannot have it, they are often cured of slight ailments 

 by being put at a little distance from the fire, for an 

 hour or two. 



Perhaps I should say here, that when they become 

 old, they are sometimes unable to shell their seed, and 

 it must be crushed for them, and soft food be provided 

 for them, or they will be starved. Sometimes, too, the 

 lower mandible of the beak will grow to an exagge- 

 rated length, and thus prevent the poor bird from pick- 

 ing up seed. This must be carefully pared with a 

 sharp pair of scissors, and the operation will require 

 repeating frequently. 



The GOLDFINCH (Fringilla carduelis). This is a 

 great favourite amongst cage birds, and deservedly so, 

 for he is a very sprightly, beautiful bird, and is very 

 affectionate, docile, and intelligent. He is very happy 

 in an aviary; but I do not like to see a Goldfinch con- 

 fined in a very small cage, as he is so restless that he 

 is scarcely ever still, and is continually climbing about, 

 trying all the wires of the cage, and twirling his beak 

 along them. On this account he ought not to be kept 

 in a bell-shaped cage, as he is apt to grow giddy. He 

 is very easily tamed, and may be safely allowed a 

 flight round the room while his cage is cleaned. He 

 is capable of great attachment to his owner, and may 



