HOW TO FEED T11E GOLDFINCH. 
The Goldfinch's Cage. — Pay not the least attention to the 
bird-dealer’s dictum, that the proper cage for the goldfinch is 
that apportioned to the chaffinch — 
a wretched little prison about eight 
inches square. If you do, you will 
soon have the mortification to dis- 
cover that he has scrubbed off all 
his beautiful tail against the bars of 
the pent-up little crib. Let him 
have “ elbow room ” that he may 
be free to perform his endless antics. 
The cage may be open at all sides, 
but not at the top ; this must be of wood, as the goldfinch has 
a habit of “ twirling,” and running along the roof of his house, 
if it happens to be of wire. The goldfinch’s cage should be 
fiat on the top, and not more than ten inches high, but it may 
be as broad and deep as you please. The perches should 
not be more than three inches apart, as this bird is not fond 
of hopping upwards. Clean out the cage at least four times a 
week, scraping and scalding the bottom drawer, and cleansing 
the perches with soap and a piece of flannel. This last direc- 
tion is of considerable importance, as thousands of birds 
get diseased feet through the foul and heating matter that is 
allowed to accumulate on the perches. 
How to Feed the Goldfinch. — While they are very young 
it is most important that they should be carefully fed. Give 
them white bread over which scalding milk has been poured, 
together with a little bruised rape or canary-seed. If you buy 
a “ grey pate,” feed him, until he has moulted, on flax, rape, 
and canary-seed, and if he is not a very strong bird, you may 
add to this daily, a dozen grains of hemp -seed crushed. On 
this last-mentioned food you should, for a few weeks, diet your 
newly caught old birds. Then (in the case of the old birds) 
you may gradually substitute grits for the hemp-seed. WTien 
your bird has got well used to confinement, feed him constantly 
on two thirds poppy-seed, and one third rape and canary-seed. 
As regards the bath, no bird is more fond of it than the goldfinch, 
and if it is not allowed him, you will see him repeatedly ducking 
his head as far as he can into his drinking-glass. Let the gold- 
finch have water to bathe in every afternoon during the summer, 
and fresh water to drink twice a day. He will be very grateful 
for an occasional bit of lettuce leaf or watercress. 
Diseases of the Goldfinch, and how to Cure them. — The 
141 
