40 
THE CANARY BIRD. 
mix it with more or less, say a proportion of two thirds of 
coarse barley or wheat flour, freed from the husk or bran. 
Some persons give them a slice of pork or,bacon to peck. 
6. Constipation is cured by giving them plenty of green food, 
such as celery, water cresses, chickweed, sallad, &c. 
7. Epilepsy is commonly brought on by too great a delicacy 
of treatment, and also by timidity, from alarm. Too great an 
abundance of rich food, and the want of proper exercise, 
whereby much and thick blood is produced, are the chief 
causes of this disease. The birds ought to be kept free from 
alarm, either by catching or tormenting them in any way. 
When suffering under this complaint, if they are hot, it is 
recommended, to dip them frequently into cold ice water, and 
then pair their nails so closely as to start blood. A few drops 
of olive oil, also, given internally have proved serviceable. 
8. Overgrown Claws or Beaks require to be pared with sharp 
scissors. Care must be taken, however, not to cut the nails 
too close, as the birds would be liable to lose so much blood 
as to become lame. The end of the “ red ray,” or vein, both in 
the beak and claws, when held up to the light, shows exactly 
how far they may be cut. During the hatching period, also, 
the nails of the female sometimes must be cut, in order that 
they may not be caught by them when in the nest. 
9. Lice may be avoided by frequent bathing, cleanliness in 
the cage, and dry sand mixed with anise seed and scatterr d on 
the floor. 
