BRITISH SONG-BIRDS. 107 



If the birds get very thin, give them chopped figs ; 

 if too fat, a little grated rusk, kiioAvn by the name 

 of tops and bottoms. When they appear dull, 

 bunch out their feathers, or put their head under 

 their wings : give them two spiders, a few ants or 

 ant-eggs every day until tliey recover then* spright- 

 liness and their feathers again lie close and sleek; 

 for this also a little saffi'on or a slice of liquorice- 

 root may be added to the water. 



As cleanliness is absolutely necessary to preserve 

 these birds in health, put a flat dish Avitli water on 

 the bottom of the cage, that they may wash them- 

 sevles every morning ; after which the dish should 

 be removed and the cage properly di'ied. It some- 

 times happens, unavoidably, that stringy parts of 

 the heart, or pieces of skin, are chopped into their 

 food, and these may get entangled about their 

 tongue. Should that take place, it may be detected 

 by their gaping and an effort to vomit; in that case, 

 take the bird gently, open its bill, and, with a 

 needle or hook made for the purpose, pick out the 

 obstructing matter, or death will ensue; after 

 which, give the bii'd a few spiders. This acciden- 

 tal evil may be easily distinguished fi'om the dis- 

 ease called " the gapes," which is, when the bird^ 

 open their bills frequently as if for breath, and 



