THE GOLDFINCH. 
disease to which, the goldfinch is most subject is epilepsy, and 
is occasioned by a superabundance of food, food of too rich a 
character, or want of exercise. Goldfinches once attacked by 
this complaint, rarely live very long. The best remedy is to 
plunge him into the coldest water you can procure, make him 
take as much exercise as possible, and for three days after the 
occurrence of the fit, put five drops of olive oil each day in his 
drinking-water. When he has skimmed it off the surface, 
change it, and give him clean water. 
The evil that occasions epilepsy will likewise affect the bird’s 
eyes, causing them to become weak and much swollen. There 
is no better remedy for this than to apply very fresh butter to 
its eyelids with a fine pencil. 
If the bird is afflicted with “ scouring,” or looseness of the 
bowels, grate a piece of chalk, the size of a small pea, in his 
daily allowance of food. 
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