THE GREENFINCH. 
green food, therefore be careful that he is never without a spray 
of water-cress, or a stalk of groundsel between the bars of his 
cage. When he moults, put a little saffron in his drinking- 
water, and by way of priming him up to singing condition 
again, give him an extra allowance of hemp-seed, and, as an 
especial treat, a few juniper berries. 
Diseases of the Greenfinch, and how to Cure them. — 
The chief disease to which the greenfinch is subject, is epilepsy, 
brought on by overloading the stomach. The ruffiecl condition 
of the bird’s plumage is indicative of this disease. Blow up 
the belly -feathers, and if the belly is much swollen and inflamed, 
at once drop three drips of castor oil on the surface of his 
drinking-water, which he will skim off and swallow the first 
time he attempts to drink. Let his diet for a week consist of 
rape and maw- seed. 
If anything else should ail him, apply the remedies recom- 
mended for the siskin. If, however, the greenfinch is supplied 
with plenty of water and a moderate and simple diet, he will 
live for ten or twelve years, and never know a day’s sickness. 
THE GREENFINCH. 
