The Siskin. 



obtain seed, to draw water to drink, to eat out of the hand 

 or mouth, to come and go at call, and to feign death. It 

 is also capable of being trained to go out of doors and 

 return to its domicile. The same methods for teaching must 

 be pursued as those enumerated in treating of the Gold- 

 finch. 



Siskins are hardy birds, and seem to care little for the 

 cold ; they are quite cheerful and content in a room without 

 fire when the barometer is at zero. 



Diseases and their Teeatment. — Siskins are healthy birds, 

 and seldom suffer from ailments, the moult being probably 

 the most precarious period of their existence ; at this time 

 warmth and quiet are desirable elements. They should be 

 kept as free from draughts of cold air as possible, but 

 on fine warm days should be allowed to bask in the sun- 

 shine, as the fresh air and sun appear to put new life and 

 animation into them. At this period, water for bathing pur- 

 poses should be supplied, but only when the weather is mild, 

 and on dry, sunny days. If they are noticed to droop, and 

 heave up their feathers, a few thistle heads and stalks of 

 burdock, with ripe seeds on them, or a little hop and plantain 

 seed, ought to lae given, or some poppy seed, and a lettuce 

 leaf ; these will have a most beneficial and exhilarating effect. 



Perhaps the maladies from which they suffer most are 

 epilepsy, and disorders of the rump gland, for the treatment 

 of which" see Chapter V., on "Diseases." Siskins are also 

 subject to the same complaints as Goldfinches, &c., but are 

 much hardier birds, and less liable to derangement or organic 

 diseases. 



K 2 



