52 THE BULFINCH. 



draughts of air; and, in addition to their regular 

 seed, a little of the yolk of a hard-boiled egg 

 should be fed diem at least three times a week. 



The bulfincii has diseases. These, however, are 

 usually caused by improper care; for if the bird 

 be fed and watered regularly every day, at the 

 same hour and by the same person, and plenty of 

 dry sand freely used, the cause of disease is greatly 

 reduced. Occasionally these birds are troubled 

 with a diarrhoea, and can be greatly relieved, and 

 many times a permanent cure effected, by placing 

 a rusty nail in their drinking-water : a nail should 

 also be placed in their drinking-water during moult- 

 ing season j and, should a bird be troubled with the 

 reverse of this complaint, costiveness, a piece 

 of sweet apple, a little chickweed, lettuce, or any 

 green food, will usually afford full relief. Occa- 

 sionally this bird will appear dumpish, sitting all 

 day upon his perch with ruffled feathers : the best 

 mode of treatment is to give "him a supply of maw, or 

 what is sometimes called poppy-seed, which will in 

 most cases quickly restore him to his usual spirits. 



Piping bulfinches arrive from Europe about 

 December i each year, and are on sale from then 

 until June i, and I have some seasons had them for 

 sale all through the year. To me they are the most 

 charming and enjoyable of all cage birds. They 

 pipe " How can I leave thee," "The bridal wreath 

 for thee we twine," " Away to the wildwood," 

 " Polly Perkins," "I will love you forever," "The 

 mill in the valley," "America," and other songs. 



