40 THE CANARY BIRD. 



mix it with more or less, say a proportion of two thirds of 

 coarse barley or wheat flour, freed from the husk or bran. 

 Some persons give them a slice of pork or bacon to peck. 



6. Constipation is cured by giving them plenty of green food, 

 such as celery, water cresses, chickweed, sallad, &c. 



7. Epilepsy is commonly brought on by too great a delicacy 

 of treatment, and also by timidity, from alarm. Too great an 

 abundance of rich food, and the want of proper exercise, 

 whereby much and thick blood is produced, are the chief 

 causes of this disease. The birds ought to be kept free from 

 alarm, either by catching or tormenting them in any way. 

 When suffering under this complaint, if they are hot, it is 

 recommended to dip them frequently into cold ice water, and 

 then pair their nails so closely as to start blood. A few drops 

 of olive oil, also, given internally have proved serviceable. 



8. Overgrown Claws or Beaks require to be pared with sharp 

 scissors. Care must be taken, however, not to cut the nails 

 too close, as the birds would be liable to lose so much blood 

 as to become lame. The end of the " red ray," or vein, both in 

 the beak and claws, when held up to the light, shows exactly 

 how far they may be cut. During the hatching period, also, 

 the nails of the female sometimes must be cut, in order that 

 they may not be caught by them when in the nest. 



9. Lice may be avoided by frequent bathing, cleanliness in 

 the cage, and dry sand mixed with anise seed and scattered on 

 the floor. 



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