BRITISH SONG-BIRDS. 187 



time after they leave the nest, are brownish about 

 the head, and then by some bird-fanciers are 

 called grey-pates. 



Diseases, 



Goldfinches are rather hardy and healthy birds ; 

 but, should they droop, put a little saffron in their 

 drink, strew their cage with clean gravel, and put 

 some pounded chalk amongst it ; also give them 

 some chickweed, groundsel, and thistle-seeds ; if 

 their claws get too long, they must be cut, and, if 

 troubled with epilepsy or the pip, the birds must 

 be treated in the same manner as canaries. It is 

 said too much hempseed is the cause of epilepsy ; 

 we know, also, it injures the beauty of the plmnage. 



Song, 



^ Their native notes are sweet, cheerful, and 

 I sprightly, at times chattering or twittering, which 

 makes an agreeable variety. If young goldfinches 

 are brought up near a canary bird, wood, or titlark, 

 they readily acquire their notes ; but it is said the 

 goldfinch learns the song of the common wren 

 sooner than any other. 



