The Reed Bunting. 



i8i 



well-being and good health, they languish and die. A few 

 ants' or snails' eggs, and the larvae of insects, have a wonder- 

 ful effect in reviving those birds that are observed to be 

 drooping and despondent. 



They should have an abundance of sunshine and fresh 

 air — two important elements at all times to the health and 

 longevity of birds, but more particularly at this critical 

 period of their existence. They are subject to gout, and, 

 to prevent this, a few rusty iron nails should be placed in 

 the drinking water, alternated with a few grains of bicar- 

 bonate of potash — say 30 grains to half a pint of water. 

 They are liable to other ailments, for treatment of which 

 see Chapter V., on ''Diseases;" but those mentioned above 

 are the principal maladies from which they suffer. 



