3 European Goldfinch. Norwich Canary, • (clear yellow J Natural Color. European Bull fine >} CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS THE FOOD, CARE, BREEDING, DISEASES AND TREATMENT ALL HOUSE BIRDS BIRDS FOR PLEASURE AND FOR PROFIT BY GEORGE II. HOLDER AUTHOR, IX PART, OF " HOLDEN'S BOOK ON BIRDS" "••' ' ' PUBLISHED BY GEORGE H. HOLDEN 240 SIXTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 9 BOWDOIN SQUARE, BOSTON, MASS. 37 NORTH MAIN STREET, PROVIDENCE, R, I. COPYRIGHT, 1888, BY GEORGE H. HOLDER. • • • , PRESS OP ALFRED Ml IX. K * SOX, BOSTON. TO JUDGE PETER S. WHEELOCK, BOSTON, MASS., WHO, IN A NOTE PERMITTING THIS INSCRIPTION, WRITES, " IN EARLY BOYHOOD I USED, AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY, TO SIT AT THE EDGE OF THE WOODS, AT NIGHTFALL, AND HEAR THE BIRDS SING THEMSELVES TO SLEEP," THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. 266208 INTBODUCTION. THIS work is designed to be a help to those who keep birds for pleasure, or breed them for profit. The greater part of the space devoted to each bird contains the essential facts respecting his food and care. The two subjects, food and care, being thus fully written up, it can be readily inferred that the subject usually com- bined with them, namely, diseases, would require little attention. And the author would like to sharply outline this fact for each reader, that if " Food and Care," as indicated for each bird, are properly read, " Diseases " will not prevail. But there always will be some sick birds requiring attention, and they must not be neglected ; for this reason these pages contain a large number of recipes, many of which have been used for years with success, and are now for the first time published. The articles on Canaries, Mocking-birds, Parrots, Finches and Nuns, and our native wild birds, have been made very complete ; and it is hoped they will prove especially valuable. The directions for mating and rearing many kinds of birds not generally bred here iu cages, such as the smaller seed-eating birds, as well as the soft-billed birds, and Paroquets and Parrots, are drawn from the experiences of European breeders of wide reputations, and with due regard to the habits of the birds in their wild states. An attempt has been made in each article to indicate the peculiar traits of the bird, and this idea has been expanded in the several comparative tables. Buyers unfamiliar with the different birds will find in the tables suggestions which will aid them in selecting desirable specimens. The black-and-white illustrations of birds have been drawn with care from life- subjects. The colored plates were made under the author's own supervision, and exactly represent in color and outline the subjects portrayed. We are indebted to Mr. W. W. Caldwell of Boston for several good poems ; to 3 4 INTRODUCTION. Mr. Albert J. Holclen of New York for the tuneful arrangement of each of the Bullfinch melodies ; and to Mr. John Gourley, jun., of Boston, for valuable assist- ance in the preparation of the manuscript. Only fragments of widely separated hours have been seized from an exacting business located in three cities, and devoted to this work, in which no pretence is made to any literary style ; but, if the book is a real he'p to bird-keepers, the author will have the pleasure of seeing its aim fully accomplished. G. H. H. THE SECOND EDITION. In this edition there are four more pages of colored plates, making twelve in all. The Parrot article has been rewritten, with especial reference to the taming, diseases, and treatment of these valued birds. Many new styles of canary cages, with the drawer bases, and the larger cages, in new designs with brass bases, are illustrated in the new list of lower prices. G. H. H. CONTENTS. PAGE CANARIES 9 THE BULLFINCH , 57 EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH 87 EUROPEAN LINNET 91 THE CHAFFINCH 95 THE SISKIN 97 THE NONPAREIL 98 THE INDIGO BIRD 100 THE YELLOW-BIRD • . . 101 AMERICAN RED LINNET 103 THE SNOW BUNTING 104 JAVA SPARROWS 105 WHITE JAVA SPARROWS 107 CARDINALS 110 GROSBEAKS . . . . . . . . . — .115 THE BOBOLINK 119 THE ENGLISH NIGHTINGALE 123 THE BLACKCAP 12i> SKYLARKS AND WOODLARKS 133 THE SONG THRUSH 137 THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD 140 THE STONE THRUSH 143 THE ENGLISH STARLING . 145 SATIN STARLINGS H7t THE ENGLISH ROBIN 150 PEKIN NIGHTINGALE, OK JAPANESE ROBIN - ... 153 THE TROOPIAL 156 THE MOCKING-BIRD 159 BROWN THRASHER AND OTHER AMERICAN THRUSHES 166 THE CAT-BIRD 168 THE AMERICAN ROBIN 170 THE BLUE ROBIN 173 6 CONTENTS. PACK BALTIMORE AND ORCHARD ORIOLES 174 THE SCARLET TAXAGER 177 HABITS AND BREEDING OF WILD PARROTS 179 AFRICAN GRAY PARROT AND OTHER PARROTS 183 DWARF PARROTS 198 THE MACAWS 200 THE COCKATOOS 203 PAROQUETS 207 AFRICAN, MADAGASCAR, AND WEST-INDIAN PAROQUETS 211 HILL, OR ROCK, MINOR 215 MAGPIES 21!) RAVEN, CROW, ROOK, JACKDAW 223 ALBINOS 227 TOUCANS 230 FINCHES AND NUNS 234 BIRD BUYING AND IMPORTING 247 FOOD AND CARE 259 SEEDS AND FOODS, RECIPES, DISEASES, MEDICINES 27"> PRICE-LIST OF BIRDS 283 PRICES OF SEEDS, FOODS, ANTS' EGGS, 'MEDICINES, ETC 287 PRICES OF CAGES, CUPS, HOOKS, ETC. . . 289 INDEX , i LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE AUSTRALIAN PAROQUETS c . 208 AVADAVAT FINCH ' o 242 AVIARY, HIGHEST TYPE OP INDOOR 53 BELGIAN, OR LONG-BREEDS „ is BLACKCAP (Colored Plate) „ opp. 154 BOBOLINK ll'.i BOBOLINK, MOCKING-BIRD, LARK, AND BREEDING CAGES . 307 BRAZILIAN CARDINAL . . . 110 BULLFINCH, PIPING f>(> BULLFINCH TRAINERS' WHISTLING-MATCH c 63 CANARY-CAGES n 293 CANARY, CRESTED, CAYENNE-FED, AND GOLDEN-SPANGLED LIZARD (Colored Plate), opp. 45 CANARY, GOLDFINCH, AND BULLFINCH (Colored Plate) Frontispiece CARDINALS, RED AND GRAY (Colored Plate) . . .-— opp. Ill CARRYING WATER UNDER DIFFICULTIES . • 255 CHAFFINCH ...... 94 CHESTNUT FINCH „ 234 COCKATOOS 203 CORDON-BLEU FlNCH ....... 242 CUBAN PARROT 188 CUT-THROAT FINCH » . 240 DIAMOND SPARROW •> 234 ENGLISH NIGHTINGALE 122 ENGLISH ROBIN 132 EUROPEAN SKYLARK , ... 132 GOLDFINCH-CAGES 299 GOLDFINCH, EUROPEAN 86 GRAY PARROT 184 HILL MINOR 214 HOOK AND CUPS . 30!) LINNET, EUROPEAN 86 LONDON FAKIR 251 MACAW, RED, GREEN, AND BLUE (Colored Plate) opp. 179 8 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. T>A o o the care and attention which any bird-keeper would naturally bestow on him. The Hare-mountain Canaries are divided into different grades ; the usual rule being, the fewer number reared at any one breeding-house, the better the class of songsters. When wholesale breeding is indulged in, the tendency is to lessen the variety and sweetness of the notes. Your dealer, if an importer, usually has the birds selected according to the breeding-places ; and it is well to note the difference. The St. Andreasberg Canary takes his name from his native village, which is perched in the summit of the Harz Mountains, and a favorite resort in summer for invalids suffering from troubles of the lungs and throat. Its pure, bracing air is medicine for the lungs of a man, and exercises a wonderful transformation in the tone of the Canary which bears the name. Added to this, years of patient and con- stant training and schooling in cultivating the Canary's voice to the highest degree of perfection have justly placed this class at the head of the school of sing- ing Canaries. The amount of education which a well-trained singer of this class is obliged to undergo would scarcely be believed. Since the increase of exportations, owing to the great demand for them since they were introduced into other countries, the training-places have been extended to various other localities in the Harz Moun- tains, the teachers being taken from St. Andreasberg ; and at the present time very choice grades of these silver-throated singers are bought in many places besides that famous village. The St. Andreasberg Canary, in his native breeding-place, is fed on plain rape-seed, and twice a week on the egg and Zwieback mixture. The methods employed in raising a brood of nestlings, to become artists in their line, are interesting ; and the amount of patience expended can only be accounted for by the intense love of the German for his hobby, added to the remuneration obtained. In St. Andreasberg, the principal revenue of the village is derived from Canary-raising. The St. Andreasberg Canary's notes were originally obtained by placing a Nightingale in the breeding-room of young birds. The natural, clear- toned voices quickly blended the song in with their natural notes : then the most promising pupils were culled out, and trained still further, by means of other song- birds. After three or four seasons of this kind of training, the Canary was ready for the position of teacher, and placed in the schoolroom as instructor for the young beginners. Years of this sort of training gradually raised the St. Andreas- berg's song to the highest state of perfection. Look into one of these schoolrooms, and see the school-teachers' boxes draped over to prevent their singing until the proper hour. The young birds in another room are quietly feeding, and chirping in the sunlight. The cloth covering of the teacher's box is raised in front, so that a little light may be admitted ; and, after a few preliminary touches, he suddenly bursts forth into such a flood of melody that the listener is fairly enraptured by the delightful sounds. The young birds leave off feeding, and appear to be as delighted as the human audience, and manifest their pleasure by endeavoring to imitate the song "which is heard. But there is a sad failure, for many days elapse before even a few notes are sung in perfection. After weeks of this training, the young birds are separated ; and any of them which have the least semblance of harsh or broken 12 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. notes are quickly put where they will not injure more proficient pupils, and their training is then continued until the bird-raiser satisfies himself that further perfec- tion cannot be attained. No two bird-raisers have teachers for the young birds which have voices exactly alike ; and. by the interchange of teachers for the instruc- tion of the young, the voice is still further cultivated. It requires a practised ear and an immense amount of experience to select the highest class of birds. The choicest birds, when sold to the dealers, are heard separately, and each separate note recorded. The foreign buyer of the St. Andreasberg Canaries is obliged to visit the breeding- places as early as July, before the birds are fully feathered, and pay in advance for them, to be delivered when fully instructed. The breeder retains three or four of the choicest, as instructors for the following season. It is claimed, that, after all the care which is lavished upon this class of Canaries, only about ten per cent of the entire number raised are judged to be perfect by the connoisseur ; and under no circumstance is a bird perfect in song when he has less than six-months' training. The highest-prized notes are learned by the quiet birds : for the more excitable birds are apt to become nervous, and break into sharp, de- tached notes, which impair the song. To produce these best songsters, the breeder must give close attention to a multiplicity of things, — among others, the amount of light which they receive, the kind and variety of food given, and the proper voice- training : most necessary of all is it to carefully cull all naturally sharp or harsh voiced birds, as soon as their faults are noticed, from among the young brood. The object to be attained in the best- trained bird's song is to get the greatest combination of various difficult trills and odd notes, and the excellence consists in the performance of them. Loud or harsh notes are not desirable, and the bird uttering them is quickly rejected. The length of the song, combined with quality of voice and a continued repetition of the varied strains, are the qualities which mark the perfect bird. Short notes, no matter how sweet or soft, are not regarded as worthy of merit. The Nightingale-notes, when sung solely, are not prized as highly as those of a bird which combines certain lengthened trills or passages of melody. The perfect bird's song should be like an endless stream, the finish and commencement of his song not being perceptible. Some of the choicest birds have a compass of four octaves, and will execute the various passages in the most per- fect style ; but no matter what strains, notes, or combinations he has mastered, it is always desirable that the beginning and the finish of the song should be the softest notes of all. The trills and other notes should be fully gone through, and the passing from one note to another should be an imperceptible glide. The notes, trills, and combinations number twenty-five or more ; the best known and highest prized being the water-bubble, deep roll, bell, flute, warble, whistle, and the numberless trills. These are all varied, and form an endless number of com- binations : as one bird may commence his song with an entirely different note or trill from another ; and. when both birds' songs are listened to, they appear to be entirely different. Although the same notes are gone through with, they are sung in an entirely different order. An enthusiastic lover of the St. Andreasberg Canary describes his song as follows : — "A few days ago, in climbing a mountain on the west side of the Hudson River, near Catskill, weary and thirsty, I unexpectedly found a spring welling from a rock. CANARIES. 13 After drinking, and as I lay listening to the sweet cadence of the water as it fell over the rocks, I recognized the long, liquid tones which are called the water-notes of the St Andreasberg Canary. The bird has also the mellow flute-notes, the bell notes that reproduce the tones of a miniature chime, and the whistling-notes that give piquancy and zest to a song that might, without this striking change, charm you to The St. Andreasberg Canary repose. No harsh tone of his breaks the spell that seems, as you listen, to soothe alike both mind and body ; but each new creation of his fancy and voice -for he never sings twice alike -seems to lift you up into an Arcadia of rustling wings and entrancing melody. In spirit gentle, in action mild, in external appearance most peaceful, into his presence brooding care never ver 14 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. tures ; and, at the sound of his quiet voice, turmoil and strife, and all that race, are put to flight." Owing to the large prices paid in Germany for the highest class of the best trained and perfect songsters, it was deemed inadvisable to import any to America ; as the original cost of the birds, combined with the large attending expenses of collecting and shipping them, would not warrant the risk incurred : but, within the past two years, small lots have been received, and, owing to their superior excel- lence and perfection in song, have been christened the Campanini Canary- This grade of bird is the same as the birds used as instructors in the village of St. Andreasberg, and are bought only after being put to the severest trials. They are heard separately, before leaving Germany, by the most expert judges of Canary song ; and the least fault or false note reduces them from the highest grade. To hear a Campanini Canary perform his varied and perfect song for the first time is a revelation, even to those supposed to be judges of bird-music. This grade of Canary never loses his song, owing to the thoroughness of the training received : but they should be kept in a separate room, away from any harsh or loud songsters ; as such birds have a tendency to gradually mar the purity and mellowness of the notes. They will perform sufficient bird-music to please even the most exacting. Our artist has transferred, as nearly as may be possible, the shadow of our bird for your inspection ; but no engraver's knife, be its point never so fine and never so cunningly directed, can furnish any adequate idea of what the St. Andreasberg is. Only his own voice can do him simple justice. The German Canary is about five inches and a half in length, and varies in color from the clear yellow to the bright green. As mentioned above, no attention is paid to the depth or purity of color, the principal object sought being the song ; but the colors and combinations of colors are almost as numerous as the birds them- selves, and comprise the mealy, the jonquil, dark green, dark mottled, light mottled, dark and light crested, in clear or mottled colors, and the prized cinnamon. The St. Andreasberg and Campanini Canaries are somewhat smaller, varying in length from four inches and a half to five inches. The color of these birds is, as a rule, of a lighter shade than the common German Canary. The inferiority in size does not have the least effect on the throat-power. Why the best singing Canaries should be the most insignificant in size is something which cannot be accounted for, but may be due to the purity of the breed ; for the genuine St. Andreasberg Canary, in his own village, is never crossed with any other. An inquiring buyer, on being shown a St. Andreasberg Canary, remarked, "What a dirty, insignificant-looking chap he is! How is it that he costs so much?" The salesman had no need to answer the question. The bird himself answered it far better than any human tongue eould, and, in performing his melodious reply, seemed conscious of the fact, that, although small and not gorgeous, his voice made up for any deficiencies in appearance. To the breeders of Canaries, no matter what the variety may be, the St. Andreas- berg and Campanini Canaries cannot be surpassed as vocal instructors for the young. There is no necessity for breeding this high grade to produce good songsters. Place one in a room with young Canaries, able to feed and care for themselves, and the result will amply repay the advanced price given for the instructor. It CANARIES. 15 should not be forgotten that the Campaiiiui was originally a teacher of young- Canaries, and, though in a foreign laud, is not apt to forget his calling. The selection of the male from the female Canaries of the German breed is a difficult matter, and cannot be made to a certainty except by an expert in the sub- ject. Of course, if your bird sings a long, free song, you may be quite certain it is a male ; for, though occasionally a female sings, the notes are rather short and dis- connected. The principal points in judging are the size of the head and its color. The head of the male bird is broader than that of the female, and flatter on the crown: the head of the female is inclined to be round, particularly on the crown. The colors of the German male are always deeper on the head, particularly around the beak and eyes. In the green-colored variety the shade on these parts is nearly olive green. In the female birds the colors are lighter, the pure-green female having a grayish tinge throughout. In the deep-yellow birds the head of the male is always of a deeper tinge than the remainder of the body ; while, in the female of this color, gray or light-colored spots or streaks will be noticed, particularly on the back. These are the points for picking young Canaries, before they have com- menced to sing, depended on by the best German judges. It requires practice, and the consequent handling of a great number of birds, to become an expert in the selections. In the spring of the year the difference in the sex is more easily distin- guished. By catching the bird in the hand, and gently blowing the feathers from the belly and vent, the lines in the female will be observed to be preserved and rounded, forming an oval : in the male bird, the lines are straighter, and the body more like a cone. There is a knack in catching and holding a bird when an examination, for any cause, is desired. In catching a bird, first remove the perches from the cage, and do not make a promiscuous rush for the bird, but wait until he alights in a good position, and then make a sharp, decisive pounce, and, when you have him, be sure and hold him. To examine either back or breast, lay him in the palm of the hand, with the thumb across the neck. It is impossible for him to escape or be injured when held firmly but gently in this manner. To hold a bird securely without ruffling his plumage, take the tips of the wings and the tail between the thumb and fingers. The age of a Canary cannot be accurately determined : but, after the first year, the scales on the legs become coarser and larger, increasing as the bird grows older ; and the claws also lengthen : but, when the bird's claws and legs are carefully attended to, it would puzzle any but the most expert judges to accurately determine the age. A question frequently asked by the buyers of German Canaries is, " Will the bird sing by gaslight?" This question cannot be accurately determined by the dealer before a trial. As a rule, this desire is easily brought about by covering the cage, except at intervals for feeding, throughout the day, and uncovering it in the evening when the room is brilliantly lighted. In this way the bird becomes gradually accus- tomed to the artificial light ; and, as darkness deprived him of his desire to sing during the day, he pours out his pent-up melody when he sees the light. After a few days' training of this sort, the difference in the natural and artificial lights is not noticed ; and he will sing as freely by one as by the other. As a rule, the 16 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. Campanini birds are natural night-singers, owing to the darkness which they are accustomed to when performing their duties as instructors. German Canaries differ in the constancy of song. Some sing only at odd periods throughout the day ; while others sing so constantly as to excite alarm for their safety, as they are apt to overdo the matter ; and cases have been frequently cited where the bursting of the internal organs has been occasioned by the vigor and strength which they put into their musical performances. This can only be accounted for by the natural ambition of the bird. Canaries bred from the same parents vary in temperament just as the members of a family of the human race are apt to : one is lazy, and don't care to sing ; while another is full of ambition, and not happy unless he is at it all the time. Sometimes the laziness is occasioned by the richness of the food given. Offer rich food and plenty of dainties, and the bird will repay you by becoming so lazy and polite that he will not think of annoying you with the noise of his song. He has convinced himself that bird-music is positively disagreeable to you. A little advice may be introduced here, which applies to the treatment of other birds as well as Canaries. Find out as nearly as possible the exact amount of seeds the bird eats daily : when this is determined, add a slight quantity over the amount required, and feed this amount as nearly as possible daily. In case too many seeds are given, he will be sure to select the richest, and leave the rest. This constant eating of the richer seeds is apt to impair the song. When extras, like hemp, are given, they should be fed separately. The German Canaries are certainly the choice birds when song is the quality sought for ; and the numbers of the Harz-mountain birds make the prices, as a natural consequence, low. They are equally as tough and hardy as any variety, and as long lived. If the common care and rules for feeding are observed, there is no danger of their losing their sweet songs. So strong is the desire of the German breeders to breed as many birds as pos- sible for the market, that the breeding for numbers is forced by means of artificial heat ; and the diseases to which the German Canary is subject are mostly those of the throat and lungs, induced by changes to damper or colder climates. For this reason, the old, threadbare advice, " Do not hang your bird in a draughty room, or anywhere that a possible draught can reach him," must be repeated here, and care- fully regarded if you would keep your bird in health and song Hang your bird in a room which has an even temperature, which may be as low as 40°, or as high as 75° ; the bird will become accustomed to either, and sing equally as well in one as in the other : but sudden changes must be avoided. Another serious cause of com- plaint is the rumpled, dumpish appearance of your German bird. After being pur- chased, and brought home, he is transferred from his prison-like quarters to the handsome, roomy brass cage which you have prepared for him. You are, no doubt, surprised at the change which a day has wrought in him, and also surprised to see that he does not seem inclined to eat, and lay it to homesickness, caused by the absence from the large number of birds with which he has always associated. If not looked to in two or three days, the newly made purchase will be ready for dis- section, which will reveal the cause of his death to have resulted from starvation. The starvation is easily explained. By examining the little wicker cage in which the bird has been exported, and in which he was when bought, you will see that the CANARIES. 17 seed-box and watering-pot are inside the cage, and within his easy reach : your brass cage has the cups hung on the outside, with small, narrow apertures, through which the bird is obliged to poke his head in order to reach his seed and water. As he has never been accustomed to this mode of reaching his food, and endeavors to find it in vain, the only results can be slow death, or a disease resulting from over- eating after he has found his food. The above evil luckily does not frequently happen ; as some birds, seemingly possessed of more instinct than others, readily find the cups, and eat and drink at once from them. It is, however, well to watch the bird after being changed into such a cage, and notice whether or not he eats. In case he does not eat within a few hours, place the seed and water in small vessels inside his cage, and then accustom him to the ones hung on the outside. It is always better to procure cages with the cups so arranged that the openings to them will be on the inside. The different classes of Canaries are brought up and fed on about as many differ- ent kinds of seeds, and the seeds to which the bird has been accustomed are the ones on which to feed him. The Germans religiously believe in the superiority of the German summer rape-seed, and feed it to their birds when fresh or new. This seed is not heating, and an excellent voice-promoter. When he eats solely of this, it has the effect of keeping the song down to a mellow state : when the more heating seeds are fed, they are apt to produce the sharper notes, and have the effect of mak- ing the bird sing too constantly, which is not desirable in the highest class of song Canaries. When sent to other countries, it is the custom to vary the diet by the addition of other seeds, such as canary and millet, being fed in equal proportions with the rape. This has been proved to be an excellent plan of feeding, as the change of air and habitation seemingly necessitates a change to more stimulating food. At different seasons of the year, the food may also be changed : on consult- ing the articles on " Food and Care " for the different months, the best foods may be noted. In England the breeders of German Canaries follow the plan of feeding adopted with their own Canaries; i.e., of adding to regular seeds, sugar mixed with egg. This is not advisable, however, as has been proved by the inferi- ority of the German birds bred in England to those bred in Germany. The Ger- man method of feeding the young birds daily on a mixture of grated hard-boiled egg, mixed with Zwieback, or hardened German bread, is the best. When Zwie- back cannot be obtained, grated bread will do. When the birds grow older, there is no need of feeding the egg-mixture so often. The quantity given at a time should be in proportion to one hard-boiled egg mixed with an equal quantity of bread, for eight birds. The above foods should form the principal daily diet of all German Canaries. For treatment in case of sickness, consult the articles on " Food and Care," and lt Remedies for Diseases." THE BELGIAN, OR LONG-BREED, CANARY. This breed of Canary is of ancient Dutch origin, and in some parts of the world is the highest prized of any class of Canaries known. They are bred for shape and position chiefly, song and color being minor qualities. The bird, as he originally appeared, was merely a long, slender bird of the Canary breed ; but persistent breed- The Belgian Canary. CANARIES. 19 ing and training has brought him to his present perfect shape. This, in a great measure, was brought about by the numerous guilds, or clubs, formed for the pur- pose of breeding Canaries to a perfect shape. Throughout Belgium clubs were formed ; and each club had a special object in view, and embraced every thing in art or sport, bird-raising being one of the things. Each ornithological club now has its bronze model, which is supposed to be the shape a perfect Belgian Canary should be ; and every member strives to breed and train, as nearly as possible, his living choice to the shape of the bronze cast. The Belgian Canary is the thorough-bred of the Canary family, and, like the thorough-bred race-horse, shows his breeding in every movement. This is due to the amount of care, and picked strains of blooded stock, used in the breeding. The bird's head, particularly, should be noticed, as showing high cultivation ; the large, intelligent eye, and very small, snake-like head, being the best evidences of high blood. His shape, when at rest, should conform to a right angle. A line drawn from the crown of the hsad to the tip of the shoulders should form one side, and a line from the tip of the shoulders to the tip of the tail should form the other side of the angle. There are, besides these, numerous minor points, such as shape and size of the head ; a flat and very small head being considered the best. The tail should be lengthy and slender, and not too broad, nor too forked. The shoul- ders should be compact, without too much of a hollow between them. The breast should have a good depth, but not be too broad. The upper side of the neck should be a nearly straight line from the shoulder, and not have the appearance of a camel's neck. The purity or fineness of feather, not the depth of color, is the quality sought after in plumage. Nearly all are light yellow ; but some are deeply mottled in gold and green, and these are highly prized by the English fanciers. The legs should be straight, and the thighs well feathered. A knock-kneed or bow- legged Belgian, no matter how fine he may be in other respects, is not an object of beauty. There are numerous styles of the Long-breed family ; but the only recognized pure Belgian Canary, in his native country, is a fac-simile of the illustrated model. A brood of young Belgian Canaries are a gawky-looking set of creatures, and an ama- teur would pass them by without notice. They tumble around in about the sa..je manner as a very small boy taking his first lesson on a pair of very long stilts. As they develop, this unsteadiness passes away ; but still, the full-blooded Belgian, when viewed in any position except when on his perch, is an awkward-looking fel- low at the best. When hopping along the bottom of the cage, pecking at his seeds, his movements are such as might be made by a two-legged camel moving rapidly, if such an animal can be imagined. It is from his pose when excited, that the most points may be seen. When in position he is judged according to his merit, and then all the prominent points are brought out to the fullest extent. The Belgian is the blue-blood of the Canary family, and should never be excited without cause. For this reason, a fancier, when entering an exhibition-room, uses as much care as a person would in going into a sick-room. The bird, when excited, strives to do his utmost in gaining a perfect position ; and for this reason he should not be excited without cause. He 20 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. gradually learns the meaning of the scratch or tap given as a signal for him to assume his best position ; and when given too often, without a reason, his inclina- tion to obey is likely to cease. Some writers claim that training, as well as high- breeding, has much to do with perfect position ; but this statement is open to adverse criticism. The breeder, when entering the room to show off his best birds, gently lifts the cage by the bottom with one hand, and taps or scratches with the other the bottom of the cage : and, at this signal, the bird's appearance is changed ; he grasps the perch with a firmer grip, and throws himself upward as though he would push his shoulders out of joint ; he moves from side to side, heaving with excitement ; and sometimes, in his endeavor to get in the best form, he appears to lose his balance, and the tail sweeps under the perch until he resembles three sides of a square. These actions and this shape are the best evidence of his perfect train- ing. It is said that a Belgian breeder had to invest all his spare money in wooden shoes, he wore so many pairs out shuffling his feet on the floor of the breeding- room while training his young birds. The breeding-coops for the Long birds are as varied as they are numerous, and exhibit different degrees of cleanliness. Some of the breeding-places are kept scrupulously clean and neat, while others are like miniature pig-sties ; yet the latter, in many cases, seem to turn out as good birds as the former, which goes to disprove the idea that the Belgian is not a hardy bird. I would not, however, recommend trying the experiment of breeding Canaries on the pig-pen plan ; because Canaries are not apt to thrive like swine. The full-blooded bird is sensitive and nervous, and, therefore, easily excited ; but, if kept properly and quietly, he makes as desirable a cage-bird as can be found. A Belgian breeder would as soon think of putting his hand in the fire as of catch- ing a thorough-bred Canary. The birds are never handled, but, when changed from cage to cage, are guided from one to the other by means of a stick, which they obey as readily as a trained horse does the whip. The slightest unusual object is the cause of exciting a bird of this class to an astonishing degree. A visitor, when entering a Canary- room, should remove his tall silk hat ; as it is apt to put the birds in a flutter of excitement. It is even stated that an irate Dutch breeder "dropped" one of these hats over the wearer's ear because of the craze it pro- duced among his pets. A red smoking-cap has thrown a first-class bird into fits, from which he never recovered. This class of birds, as may be supposed, is rarely seen outside of the country in which they are bred and reared, because of the value attached to them for breeding and exhibition purposes. It is not for the money value of any prize he may take in competition that a Dutch breeder seeks, but the honor attached : for a prize won gives his club additional fame ; and this means to him, later on, value in a commercial sense when he wishes to dispose of his birds. It is this very club-strife for the highest standard which has brought out the per- fect breeding ; each member being determined to outdo every other in the club, and each club endeavoring to excel every other club. When the young birds are hatched, the perch should be a few inches higher than the nest; as, by the formation of the bird, it is much easier for the female of this breed to feed the young brood from an elevation than on a level. It is also well to have the perch raised from the seed and water cups in the same manner. The young birds are given about the same food as any other breed of Canary. The CANARIES. 21 hard-boiled egg is made into a paste by being mixed with pulverized cracker moist- ened with water. One enthusiastic breeder always chewed the egg and cracker, and fed the young birds himself in addition to the feeding they received from the mother. He was fond of strong liquor, and was an inveterate smoker, but, for the space of five months, abstained from the use of intoxicating drinks and tobacco ; so that the saliva, mixed with the cracker and egg, would not injure the young birds. The Canaries he raised were never dissipated. It has been mentioned that the Belgian breeder pays no attention to color in breeding. Color is of no importance to him as long as he can breed the coveted style. The birds are usually of a yellow, or mealy, color ; and only a few are mottled. All the ordinary colors might be obtained with the best shape ; and if the Knglish breeders would only take hold of these Canaries, and breed for color, a grand class would be produced. A unique style of travelling-cage, used for the Belgian Canary, may be mentioned here ; and it would be well to adopt it when it 'is found necessary to carry a bird from one city to another. It is made of a round board, about eight inches in diameter, to which is tacked a small cloth, or duck bag with the bottom cut out, and fastened at the top by means of draw-strings. Air-holes are cut in the sides of the cloth. This cage may be laid down or hung up without any injury to the bird. The Dutch exhibition-cage is always the same, cone-shaped, open on all four sides, and raised, on four legs, about three feet from the floor. By the use of this cage, the bird is not unduly excited when he is to be exhibited for position ; as it may be raised without catching hold by the top. The three-quarter and half breed Belgians are birds which have been exten- sively exported, and are in great demand among American bird-fanciers. They combine much of the beauty of the full-blooded Belgian and the song of the Ger- man, and make a most desirable cage-bird. They were originally produced by mating a thorough-bred Long bird with a large-sized song Canary, the progeny being called three-quarter breed birds. A pair of three-quarter breed birds mated produce the half-breed. Although not so handsome as the three-quarter-bred, the Half-long birds are large and fine-looking, and, in many cases, most excellent song- sters. Americans are not as well posted in the fine points of bird-breeding as the scientific fanciers of Europe. With us bird-breeding is comparatively a new matter, while in Europe they have been breeding the Canary for at least two hundred years. We do not produce as good birds, because we do not start with the best stock. Genuine first-class Canaries of any specie may always be imported in their seasons, and may be as easily bred here as in their native countries. Should an American fancier wish to breed the best full-blooded or three-quarter birds, he can always procure the proper stock, and will be satisfied with the perfection attained from birds of his own mating. Colors may be produced as easily as style and size ; and, where one has the three qualities, the breeding may be called scientific. The Belgian Canaries, of all classes, are bought in large numbers by the English dealers, who separate the birds into the different grades after arriving in England. The best grade brings high prices for breeding purposes, and the rest are sold for collections. 22 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. The chief cities in Belgium, where the Long Canary is seen at his best, are Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels ; and the yearly exhibitions in those cities are largely attended. A few of the rules governing one of these societies are given below. The meeting is always fixed on some special Sunday, which is decided upon six months before the exhibition occurs. ARTICLE I. — There shall be a prize of honor given, of the value of thirty francs. ART. II. — Each member has the right to eiiter from one to four birds. ART. III. — Four experts shall judge the birds, but no expert shall be an owner of a bird entered for competition. ART. IV. — The four societies having the greatest number of entries shall have the right to elect an expert, but no town shall elect more than two. The fifth expert shall be a stranger to the town. ART. V. — No bird shall be entered for competition that is more than one year old. ART. VI. — All competitors must attend tbe distribution of prizes. Those absent, whose birds have won prizes, will be fined to the extent of a fourth part of the value of the prize. An excuse will be entertained from those absent on account of sickness. These exhibitions have not that spirit of avaricious gain prevailing in them which is seen in other countries ; and when honor, first, is the prize to be gained, the care and attention paid to the breeding of birds is much greater than when merely money enters into the contest. The Belgian Canary is fed on the regular mixed canary-seed, but should have, ut least twice each week, a mixture of grated hard-boiled egg and cracker. Great care should be given the young birds : when first hatched out, they should receive daily the egg-and-cracker mixture ; this should be fed to them until they are three months old, as it is very strengthening : and, when a young bird starts out strong, he is apt to live longer, and keep free from disease. In other respects, the Belgian Canary requires only the same care that any other Canar}' receives. They are just as easily kept and as hardy as any other breed when the proper rules are observed. Owing to the peculiar shape of the Long-breed Canary, his cage should be roomy, rather high than otherwise : and, when hung in a room, he should hang at least six feet from the floor ; as his shape can be seen to much better advantage. The pure Long-breed Canaries are imported about the first of December and until April, and the three-quarter-bred Canaries are on sale during the same time. The half-breed are imported earlier in the season, and ma}7 be found in the shops from October until May. A cage, eleven inches by fourteen inches on the base, and seventeen inches high, is the best size for the Long Canary. This style makes a good cage for a pair. A round cage, ten inches in diameter and twenty inches high, makes a desirable cage for a single singer. ENGLISH CANARIES. The English Canaries include more varieties than any other known breed. They embrace the Norwich, or Deep Gold, Canary, the London Fancy, the Gold and Silver Lizards, the Scotch Fancy, the Yorkshire, the Manchester, or Lancashire : and these different classes are subdivided by cross-breeding, whence spring many lesser-known tribes. The breeding of the different classes requires a vast amount CANARIES. 23 of patience and skill, and is the best evidence of the science to which Canary-breed- ing has been reduced. It is the result of years of careful study, and shows that the English have, perhaps, a more thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the bird and his plumage than the German has. The English and German methods of rais- ing Canaries are widely different, and must necessarily be so ; since the former seeks size and feather, — physical culture, — while the latter strives for voice-culture. The Germans follow their taste for music, and breed birds only for music ; while the Eng- lish tastes are shown in their devotion to high color and imposing physique. The Englishman accomplishes his object by patiently breeding from generation to gene- ration for the deepest golden color possible to attain, and, later still, further deepen- ing the brilliant color by artificial means. In some sections of the country, breeders pay all attention to the development of size in Canaries ; and, as the result, the Manchester Coppy of to-day stands forth as the giant of the Canary family. The Norwich Canary is the general favorite of the breed of English Canaries, and is the most extensively bred of any of them. He is easily recognized as a brilliantly illuminated edition of the deep-yellow Canary, and takes his name from the city of Norwich, where for generations he has been bred and cultivated ; and, at present, every artisan in the city has his brood to care for, the taste being further fostered by the extensive patronage of the wealthy classes throughout the country. Careful breeding is a remunerative employment, as fine birds are well paid for. The Nor- wich Canary is larger than the German, his usual length being about six inches. He is a very solid, substantial-looking fellow ; and his compactly built figure and hand- some golden coat give him a very attractive appearance. Owing to the nature of the breeding, he is naturally much hardier than any other variety known : heat is not considered a necessity in the breeding-rooms of the English Canaries ; and only at the moulting season, when extra care is required, is artificial warmth allowed. A strong incentive to breeding these Canaries is the competitive exhibitions which are annually held in all the breeding-centres of England. Every attention is paid to the size of the bird, the texture of his feathers, and, most of all, the depth or brilliancy of his color. The Norwich Canaries may be divided into three classes : the clear yellow, a bird which has no foreign color on his entire body ; the mottle, or variegated, which is a combination of yellow and green, or dark-brown colors ; and the crested, which may again be subdivided into clear or mottled. It is not necessary to go into the details of the depth of color, or silkiness of the feathers ; as they would not probably interest our amateur breeders. The highty-bred crested variety is a very interesting class : in some cases, when bred for years for perfec- tion of crest, it appears to be something unnatural ; the size and proportions being perfect. The crest hangs over the eyes so as to partially obscure the bird's sight. As a songster, the Norwich, as now bred, is not equal to the German Canary ; nor can this be expected, owing to the inattention paid- to his song. He is, however, susceptible to an easy training : and I have heard many Norwich birds, when hung in a room with a well-trained St. Andreasberg Canary, copy his best notes in all their perfection ; giving, of course, more strength to the sounds, owing to the fact, perhaps, that he is a much larger, heavier bird. The same observation applies to all other breeds of the English Canaries. The London Fancy, and both kinds of Lizard Canaries, it is said, are of the '24 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. oldest blood, and, although unlike in appearance, are closely allied. This is proven by the fact that both breeds of birds, when nestlings, resemble one another very closely : after shedding the first feathers, the appearance is, however, widely dif- ferent. The London Fancy male bird, when in full plumage, should have the entire head, breast, and back of the same colors as those of the mealy, or buff, Norwich, with wings and tail black or dark green : this variety of bird is not so stoutly built as the Norwich ; he is more slender and elegant in shape. He is not so popular at present as the Norwich, owing to the energy displayed in breeding the latter, and the greater care which is required to breed the London Fancy in all his perfection of markings. The Gold and Silver Spangled Lizards are justly in the foremost rank of " feather " birds in their native country: they certainly present a most beautiful appearance in their gayly decked spangles, and clear, shining gold or silver caps. It is claimed that the Lizard is the direct offshoot of the original green Canary of the Canary Islands, and, by the careful and judicious selection of strains, the clearly defined spangles were finally obtained. The Lizard is mentioned as the spangled bird in the oldest known treatise of birds we have. The color-line in the Lizard breed is strictly drawn between the Gold and Silver ; the spangles in either case being overcast throughout with the rich gold of the Norwich birds, or the silver of the mealy class. The Gold-spangled Lizard is the favorite of this class, as his richer colors are much more striking. The most important point in the selection of a good Lizard is perfection of the head. The cap of the bird is one of his dis- tinctive features. A perfect cap must be bounded by a line commencing at the tip of the beak, and passing over the tip of the eye, round to the back of the head, in the same plume, and returning in the same way on the other side : it must not come lower than the eyes, and the boundary-line at this part should be a hair-line of clearly defined feathers. The cap is clear in color, and may be either clear yellow or light gray, which defines the class to which the bird belongs. The color of the cap also regulates the color on the body, and the tinge which overcasts the spangles will always be found to be of the same color as that of the cap. The outline of the cap must be clear and unbroken, and its entire surface free from a tinge of dark feathers. The slightest intrusion of dark feathers on the cap constitutes the class called broken caps, and any intrusion of the cap itself into the dark feathers of the neck is called the run cap. The classes are more familiarly known, however, as the plain and broken caps. The spangled appearance of the birds is caused by the development of the feather. A description of the feather of the Lizard Canary will explain the cause of the peculiar appearance of the plumage. The soft, silky por- tion of the feather next the quill is blue black ; as the feather grows outward, the color changes, the centre becomes blackish brown tinged with a lighter shade, the central color increasing in. depth till it reaches nearly to the extremity of the feather, where it expands into a circular form, and is nearly as black as possible ; the edging of the extremity of the feather is fringed with a very narrow bordering of the same color of the cap, which may be either gold or silver. The lapping of the feathers over one another where so many shades of color are observable consti- tutes the appearance of spangling : the shorter feathers, as those of the head and breast, are more closely spangled than the longer feathers of the wing. In perfect CANARIES. 25 birds, the appearance resembles a chain, with the links continuous and perfect. The clearly defined spangles must be decided aud unbroken throughout the body : splashes or breaks in the spangles or wings throw the bird out of the perfect class. As in all other cases, in a nest of young birds perhaps there will be but one or two specimens which could be called perfection : for, no matter how carefully the selec- tion of the parents was made, the splashes or foul spots will show ; this may be due to defects in earlier generations : but crossing perfectly marked birds for continuous years will probably obviate this, and the result will certainly be foretold before the birds are hatched from the eggs. The whole appearance of the Lizard Canary is essentially dark ; the beak, legs, and claws following the same color. The appearance of the Lizard should not be hazy or indistinct ; the spangles should be clear, bright, and regularly arranged ; nor should the gold of the gold-spangled class be mixed with the colors of the silver spangled, or vice versa. In size the Lizard Canary is more uniform than the other classes, measuring about five inches and a half in length. He is easily known by the peculiar markings and snug-looking cap, and the class is an interest- ing one for the purpose of breeding. They are easily bred, and of good value when well marked. We now come to a different set of classes in the English Canaries; i.e., of shape and size, color being a minor quality. The Scotch Fancy is probably the most remarkable-looking Canary of any known variety, — even more curious in formation than the Belgian. The Belgian is bred for the clearly acute angle which the different parts of his body form, while the Scotch Fancy is bred for the curves which his body forms. In shape the bird resembles a half-circle : and, if the enthusiastic breeders of Scotland continue their efforts in the same directions, the half-circle must become a whole circle ; and the methods of perching, flying, etc., will have to be revolutionized. We mean no disrespect to the rugged High- land breeders. This variety is their choice and fancy, and they should be allowed their indulgence. The mania for breeding these birds in the districts to which the strictest attention to them is paid exceeds that of the Belgian breeders, and the proud possessor of a prize-winner is looked upon as a skilled engineer in his profes- sion. It requires, indeed, a skilled artist in bird-breeding to produce perfection. The Scotch Fancy Canary, judging from its form, is most likely an offshoot of the Belgian ; and, as in the other classes of English Canaries, the shape nas been perfected by the persistent breeding of birds to obtain the nearest approach to a certain model or standard. The head of the Scotch Fancy Canary should be flat and snake-like, — a very important point, which is only brought about by the extreme care exercised in his breeding ; the neck, unlike the Belgian's, should form the connecting curve between the head and shoulders ; the shoulders should not be prominent, but close together, and have the appearance of the Belgian's shoulders, with the corners planed off ; the back and tail form a sweeping curve, thus making the different parts of the body form an arc. If a line were drawn from the tip of the beak to the point of the tail, the figure would represent a half-circle. The bird is slender and elegant in shape, and his carriage graceful and dignified. His legs are long and straight, and appear to be set in his body on the principle of a shank on a diamond scarf-pin. 26 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. The colors of the Scotch Fancy are a secondary consideration, and not brilliant, like those of the previous classes. The Scotch breeder seems content to obtain per- fection in shape, and let his English neighbors bear off the palm in the color-line. The colors are the same as those observed in the common breed of Canaries, ran- ging from the clear green to the pale yellow, or mealy. The Scotch Fancies, like the Belgian pure breeds, have no crested birds among them. To the superiority of the female Scotch Fancy birds, the breeders do not pay so much attention. Of course, a high class of birds must be used in breeding ; but all the minute points are developed in the males. The bird-shows held in Scotland are even more elaborate than those of Belgium, the task of the judges being more severe ; and the amount of handling and judging which a prize-winner is obliged to undergo is something amazing. The worthy judges, too, deserve a word of mention. A pure labor of love with them is this task of handling and testing some eight hundred cases ; and the amount of skill required in properly giving every bird his exact dues would put one of our high- priced modern court judges into college again in order to learn his lessons over. The Yorkshire Canary is another edition of the birds bred for shape and size : and, as the angular and curved editions are provided for, it is no more than proper that a class of admirers should be found for something in the line of straight birds. The Yorkshire is the class which depends for his beauty on the straightness of the lines of his body, the compactness of his build, and fineness of his feathers com- bined. The Yorkshire, like the Scotch Fancy, is supposed to be an offspring of the Belgian. The head of the Belgian bird, if placed in an upright position, and not hung down as though ashamed of himself, forms the main line of beauty in the Yorkshire Canary. A line drawn from the top of the head to the tip of the tail should be a perfectly straight one, the body should be slender and elegant in appearance, the feathers as compactly arranged as those of a duck, and their texture of the finest quality. These form the main points in the Yorkshire Cana- ry's excellence. He is a larger bird than the Norwich, being from six inches and a half to seven inches in length. No particular attention is paid to the colors ; although they are usually of a deeper shade than those of the common Canary, and may be clear or mottled. The Yorkshire bird is never bred in the crested class. The giant in the English class, and, in fact, of the Canary race, is the Manchester Coppy, — a bird remarkable for the size of both its body and crest. This class of birds is bred almost exclusively in the manufacturing districts around the city of Manchester, from which the bird derives his name. Wherever seen, this class is always admired for its noble proportions and majestic bearing. A startled beholder, on first seeing one, said that "he looks more like a yellow Pigeon than a Canary- bird." His pedigree cannot be certainly traced ; but it is most probably of the ancient Dutch order, which is always a respectable and sure covering for any thing of doubtful origin. The breed of the bird is most jealously guarded in the districts from which he originally appeared, and no other foreign strains or crosses are allowed to be crossed with him. The word "Coppy," which is also a part of the bird's name, signifies crest, or topping — an ornament with which the birds are, as a rule, decorated. The largest birds of this class often measure eight inches in CANARIES. 27 length. They are very compactly built, with no deviation in shape, being of the straight-back order. The figure is well-proportioned and strongly made. He is massive, graceful, and as sprightly as the smallest Canary. The cap, or crest, which lie wears, is in just proportion to the size of his body, and is remarkable for the exactness and regularity of its formation. All the feathers radiate to a common centre, each feather being in its exact place. It is not knotty or curly, and presents a striking appearance, and an oddity not observed in any other class of Canaries. It is much larger than the crest of the Norwich bird, and has a style of beauty which the Norwich bird's crest does not possess. It is much clearer in form than that bird's, and surpasses it in the clearness of the yellow color, which appears to be a difficult object to procure in the crested class. The crests of the Manchester may vary in color, and run in gray, ticked, and dark shades. The main points in the standard of excellence in this class are size of crest, size of bird, and shape. This class is also bred without the crest, and is then called the Plainhead. The colors are the same as in the other classes, — sometimes as deep as the Norwich, but usually of the buff, or mealy, variety. This majestic and massive bird forms one of the highest-prized cage-birds, and, when better known, will take a foremost place in the list of Canaries. He should have the largest-sized Canary cage : and, if he fills it by his great dimensions, he will offset it by filling the house with his song ; as his voice fully corresponds in power with his size. THE FRENCH CANARY. The French Canary is an edition of the Belgian, and, although not so finely bred for position and stj7le, retains the main characteristics of that breed. The French are bred throughout the manufacturing districts of France, and the English hobby of compactly arranged feathers is knocked to pieces by the exact opposite arrangement in the French breed. The feathers on the breast, belly, and sides resemble miniature wheels of feathers pinned on to the bird, and present a fluffy, odd appearance, and impress one with the idea that the bird ought to bathe, and straighten them out. The chief object in breeding these birds is, to obtain this remarkable disarrangement of the feathers : the more wheels obtained, the higher prized is the bird. The placing of the feathers resembles that of the crest of the Manchester Coppy, and, when neatly formed, give him the look of being " coppied " all over. This bird measures about seven inches in length, and, as a rule, appears in plain yellow feathers throughout. The English and French breeds of Canaries are fed in their native countries on the plain Sicily or Spanish canary-seeds ; and, when a mixture is required, a few hemp-seeds are added. This kind of feeding is a torture for the German breeder to witness, and he is sure the birds will die if fed thus for any length of time. But the vigorous constitutions of the birds seem capable of withstanding any luxury showered upon them, as this sort of feeding in our country would certainly be so considered. I find that the English Canaries, when imported to America, thrive much better on the regular mixed seeds, rape, canary, and millet, than on the plain seed given them in their own country ; but no amount of argument or reasoning will 28 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. convince the British breeders that such is the case : the}' have followed this fixed style of feeding for generations back, and cannot be induced to think any other feeding correct. The young birds are fed daily on the egg-paste, which is made of hard-boiled eggs and bread crumbs, mixed in equal proportions, with the addition of a little sugar or maw-seed. The old birds are given the above mixture once a week, in some cases twice. The diet is also occasionally varied by feeding chick- weed, water-cress, and sweet apple. The English birds are also given freely millet- seeds on the ear, and an occasional Sunday dinner of raw, scraped beef. CAYENNE-FED CANARIES. We now come to the Cayenne, or artificially colored, class of Canaries ; and, as they are the last products of scientific attention and feeding, it is no more than proper that they should occupy an important place in these papers on the Canary. The Cayenne-fed Canary of the present time is as far ahead of his plain-coated brothers, if the comparison may be permitted, as the electric light is of the old- time tallow-dip. The first intimation on the subject of cayenne feeding was obtained by a trifling- accident, just as many greater discoveries are disclosed in the same manner. There certainly must be some law which governs nature in bestowing the various colored hues which adorn the feathers of the bird-nation ; but what that law is, cannot lie defined. The fact, that in the earliest stages of the growth of the feathers of the Canary, as of all other birds, these were not feathers, but simply little tubes in which the blood circulates, and which eventually develop into what we call feathers, led to the supposition that the coloring matter was manufactured in and deposited by the blood. This theory eventually took hold of the minds of the breeders ; and various somethings were fed, in order to develop the colors which they contained. Experi- ments were made with saffron, cochineal, port wine, and beet-root ; but all were ineffectual. At last, by the veriest accident, the simple coloring agent was discovered to be cayenne pepper, — the very article which every bird-breeder has occasion to use in his breeding and moulting rooms as well as on his own table. Who the lucky discoverer was, is not known ; but he jealously guarded the secret, and for two years, at the great bird-shows throughout England, made his find pay. by taking all the cash-prizes, and bearing away all portable property in the way of special prizes. He also made the real hard workers in the natural colored breed of birds gnash their teeth with rage at their easy downfall, and puzzled the learned judges of birds, and chemists in their analyses. It is also true, that the naughty discoverer endeavored to palm his wares off as a new strain of blood ; but who would not have done the same if placed in his position ? This discovery was verily a comet in the sky of Canary-breeding, and for a time the one absorbing topic. The first birds of this class which were produced bear no comparison in color to those which are now seen : they were at first a pale reddish color, but careful researches with the food have been followed by the present brilliant results. When the first published account of the secret was written, it startled the entire Canary world of breeders ; but the curious breeders of deep natural colors, whose labors in that direction had brought the golden Canary to its high standard, struck off into a new CANARIES. '29 path, and bent part of their energies in the new direction, and studied the various grades of cayenne, and modes of feeding it, until the brilliant red, almost approach- ing scarlet, is as easily produced as the rich golden was before. The depth of color varies with the grade of pepper fed ; and, in order to obtain the best results, only the best kinds must be used. To take the common cayenne, as used for table purposes, and feed it to your bird, will, to be sure, have some effect ; but the color produced will pale before the scarlet of the highly fed bird. It has been a matter of speculation as to whether cayenne pepper, when fed Canaries, would be injurious to them or not. It is well known among even the most disinterested keeper of Canaries, that pepper, as an agent for the promotion of health and preventive of disease, cannot be surpassed, and that the entire Canary family readily eat it when prepared for them. Small quantities can, therefore, have no evil effect. ;i But can the feeding be overdone ? " is a question often asked. We think it can, as too much use of it is apt to endanger the healthy action of some of the more delicate organs. It has been proved that birds may be as highly colored on a judicious use of the food as by over-feeding. Because the bird is fond of the pepper, and eats it greedily, it is no reason why he should live on it entirely, any more than your child, because she sometimes craves candy, should be fed on it alone. To begin with, obtain only the best grade of cayenne pepper, which is imported expressly by the bird-dealers for this purpose. There are various methods of feeding it, but we recommend this simple plan : with one grated hard-boiled egg, mix an equal quantity of grated sweet bread or German Zwieback, and add a heaping teaspoonf ul of the cayenne pepper. The whole should be thoroughly mixed together : then sprinkle it with a little granulated sugar, and feed as the bird appears to like it or thrive on it. The above are the proportions used, but the quantity to feed a certain bird must be gauged by the bird's appetite ; usually two large teaspoon fufa of the mixture is sufficient for one bird per clay, but no rule can be for a certainty observed in the matter : the watchful breeder will notice how his bird thrives, and accordingly increase or lessen the quantity. While the feeding of the cayenne mixture lasts, feed the regular seeds sparingly ; about half the usual quantity being sufficient. It is, of course, understood that the cayenne mixture should be fed in a separate cup from that which is used for the seeds. The feeding of cayenne should be commenced with the young Canaries to be colored, at the age or seven or eight weeks, because it is necessary that the process should begin while the feathers are in the state as described in the beginning of this article ; continue feeding until the birds are thoroughly moulted ; perhaps a daily dose for two weeks over the period would surely set the colors. Heat is a power- ful assistant in moulting Canaries, and, when employed in the cayenne process, will be found to be a great aid. The birds which have seen their first year are usually put on the mixture as early as June, and the feeding continued in the same manner as for young birds. At the head of the class of Canaries which should be bred for the production of brilliant colors, stands the Norwich Canary ; for, while his beautiful golden coat seems handsome enough without further polish, his color is eminently fitted to pro- duce the richest results in Cayenne Canaries. Next to him stand the Lizards and the London Fancy : these are also capable of taking the cayenne better than the •30 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. average class. The Gold-spangled Lizard, when well peppered, is a beautiful speci- men of this class of feeding, and greatly admired. The handsome, gay spangles stand out from the rich red in bold relief ; and the cap, when fully colored, sets the bird off to great advantage. Why these three classes of birds should show the effects of the pepper more than any others, cannot be easily accounted for. We often hear the complaint, " I have fed the pepper as directed, but my bird isn't so red as the ones you show." There maybe many causes in explanation of this. The cayenne may not have been properly administered, or may be of poor quality : and, chief of all, perhaps the bird is not capable of showing the effects of it. Sometimes, in a nest of three or four birds, one of them will show no color what- ever when fed on pepper-diet. Why does this happen? Something must be wrono- in the circulation of the blood which will not transmit color. This is the only expla- nation which at present can be given : perhaps the future will clearly reveal the causes. If you have tried your bird on the food, and do not succeed in coloring, the cause may lie in the fact that he cannot be turned red. The proper colors, then, to select for coloring, are the deep yellow, — the deeper the color naturally, the deeper artificially. This is the rule, which, like all others, would not be a rule unless there were exceptions to it. The deep yellow, with slight markings, also show handsomely: the deep-yellow body and green crest also show well. The dark- green birds are not so suitable for coloring, the dark shade of the body being an unpleasant contrast to the red. Buff, or mealy, birds, when well colored, show to splendid advantage ; exhibiting the brilliant red, which is frosted by the gray or light natural colors. In no class of Canaries do the females exhibit the depth of color which the males possess, therefore the colors are never so brilliant. The female Canaries are rarely colored, as they are mostly used for exhibition or aviary purposes. In song, the Cayenne Norwich ranks as high as any of the English birds ; and, the pepper being a throat invigorator, his voice is remarkably clear, and free from any hoarseness. Like the other classes of English Canaries, he is exceedingly tough, and can withstand a great degree of cold. This is not because of the amount of pepper he has concealed beneath his jacket, as many would suppose, but because his English breeding makes him so. He starts out in life a remarkably healthy bird, and so continues if proper attention is paid him. He may be fed annually on the pepper-food, as the moulting season comes around ; and some of them seem to look forward to the feeding-time as anxiously as a boy to Fourth of July. If properly fed, he will preserve his brilliant coat until he has run his natural course. It is safe to say, that, for a beautiful cage-bird, he cannot be surpassed by even the most brilliant songsters of the tropics. THE AMERICAN CANARY. This variety cannot be traced to any distinct origin. He descends from an astonishing number of classes ; and his ancestors, in most cases, lay about as much claim to thorough breeding and nobility of race as the traditional ydlow dog. The German and English breeders are eager to rear the highest classes of finely bred birds, but their great enthusiasm is never felt by the American bird-fancier. C AX ARIES. 31 If he produces a nest of yellow Canaries, he is satisfied. Our fanciers' indiffer- ence in regard to the stock bred from, no doubt largely arises from not understand- ing how much better a good breed of birds is than a poor breed. While it is true that many bird-fanciers of England, Germany, and other bird-producing countries, when settling in America, bring with them their love for breeding Canaries, they find so little enthusiastic competition, and so few admirers of what a fine bird should be, that they gradually drop the hobby. It certainly gives one pleasure to be able to point to a choice songster, and say that he was bred and reared by one's own hands ; but, when praised and flattered by some well-meaning friend into making a present of the pet, the fun is found to be less paying than ever. There is a class of enthusiastic breeders in some parts of the country, whose num- bers can be very easily counted, who pay the greatest attention to the Belgian breed of Canaries. These fanciers breed from the finest stock possible to obtain. Herein is the great secret of success in all branches of bird-breeding. These fan- ciers really succeed in producing birds of as good shape and position as the purely imported article. When this is the case, the breeder easily obtains a paying mar- ket for his stock. This seems to be the only class of birds to which any attention at all has been given. The importation of the finely colored Canaries, and highest class of songsters, commenced at a comparatively recent date ; but, if their breed- ing here is taken up with the same enthusiasm that the amateur breeders of England exhibit, there is no reason why good birds should not be bred with profit as well as pleasure. The finest stock can be easily obtained ; and, when the facilities of importing are so great, if one does not see the best, he can easily order just what is wanted. To be sure, an article branded with a foreign stamp has a certain superior value in some people's eyes over the home-manufactured goods ; but, if some of the energy always displayed by the genuine Yankee is devoted to bird- breeding, it is safe to say, that it would be but a matter of very few years before he could enter into successful competition with the best stock in Europe. The usual breeds of American Canaries, as now seen, have no fixed length, shape, color, or song. The birds are a kind of combination, which cannot be explained. As before mentioned, the main idea here seems to be to get a Canary ; and, a Canary once obtained, the breeder is satisfied. These American Canaries, when offered for sale in the shops of importers, find no sale at a remunerative price ; as they bear no comparison to the fine-voiced Germans, or to the elegant colors and shape of the English and fancy breeds. The one recommendation to which the American Canary may lay claim is, that, as a rule, he is an exceedingly hardy bird : this hardiness is due to the climate. Birds reared from the choicest imported parentage also quickly become acclimated, and sickness is very rare among them. In conclusion, we would, recommend the breeder of Canaries to begin and con- tinue with only the best stock, and he will then be sure of rearing fine birds : thus the laughter which his efforts have heretofore provoked will quickly cease if only the most common rules and proper care are observed. Is there any exception to the proverb, " Like produces like " ? 3 '2 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. HYBRIDS. The breeding of this class of birds has received as much attention as has been given to any class known. Good Hybrids are splendid birds, and when finely bred, for color markings, make probably the handsomest cage-bird bred in natural colors. The great charm in Mule-breeding is the uncertainty which attends it : no fixed rule can be followed for the production of the highly prized white Mules. The rules regarding the selection of proper breeding material are numberless, but each successful breeder of this class of birds religiously guards the secret of his successes ; and the stock from which he has obtained his prizes can no more be bought than his right arm. The scarcity of proper material for muling purposes is well known, and white or clear Mules of any variety always repay the breeder in a manner which justifies him in keeping the secret to himself. The most common class of Mules is the Canary-Goldfinch breed. The utmost attention must be paid to the selection of the female where the light colors are desired. The clear-yellow hen, which has descended for generations back from the same clear color, is the most desirable for this class of Mule-breeding ; and we may here note, that even ninety out of a hundred of these clear yellows will throw the dark type of Mule. The proper female to mate for the purpose can only be found after numberless trials in breeding, or by purchase from some fancier known to be possessed of this class. If the common or dark class of Mules is desired, any good breeding- fern ale Canary will do. After procuring the proper material on the female side, it is necessary to obtain the proper Goldfinch. The Goldfinches vary as much as the female Canaries : some breeders like the slender, snake-headed variety ; others seek points in the color, and select the variety known as the Cheveral, or white-bellied class ; while tin- majority look for the white-legged variety. The German Goldfinches are the best to breed from ; for they are larger, stronger birds than the English, and throw a much finer class of Mules. When used for breeding purposes, the Goldfinch should be caged early in the fall, and domesticated as much as possible until May, the usual time for breeding. It is well to rear a brood of Canaries from the female Canary which is to be used, so as to accustom her to her duties. The rules for breeding Canaries apply to Hybrid-breeding. The male Goldfinch mated with the female Canary is the proper pair for breeding- Goldfinch Mules. When the female Goldfinch has been mated with the male Canary, most unsatisfactory results follow. The colors in the Goldfinch Hybrids vary from the pure white — the color which every breeder tries to obtain — to the very dark. The values which the different classes have vary with the colors. Another handsome type of Mules is the Linnet-Canary. The same rule applies in the selection of the female Canary, the pure yellow being preferred to the mealy. The Linnet should be as clear colored as possible, and the larger he is the better the class of Mules. Either the English or German brown Linnet is preferred. I have seen Mules of this class without a single dark feather on an3T part of the head or body, yet so distinctly Linnet in shape and size that the origin could not be mistaken. All Mules generally unmistakably show their origin by the shape of head. CANARIES. 33 while the beak and the bird's actions are the same as those observed in the males from which they spring. The Canary quality is seen in the shape of the body. Characteristics of both of the parents are distinctly observed in the Mule. Mules which have songs different from the Canary are eagerly sought for. Such songs may be taught the Mules by placing them, as soon as they are able to utter notes, within hearing of the bird whose song you desire them to imitate. Other varieties of Mules are obtained, although not so satisfactory as the above, by pairing the female Canary with many of the seed-eating varieties of songsters. An uncommon specimen of Mule-breeding was obtained by mating a male Bullfinch with a female Goldfinch, the result being a beautiful combination of shape and colors. It is said that this class of Mules is as easily bred as the others, the main point being to thoroughly domesticate the birds before pairing them. The treatment of Mules is the same as that given Canaries : they should have the mixed seeds and the usual varieties of food given the Canaries. They may also be colored by means of the cayenne mixture, and the light-colored varieties change to elegant colorings when so fed. TRICK CANARIES. The tricks which a Canary may be taught are almost numberless ; and, owing to their natural tameness, they may be recommended for the above purpose over any other class of birds known. The methods of training Canaries vary, and I know of no fixed rule to lay down. Some trainers commence with kindness, others with starvation and cruelty, — two widely different starting-points, you will say. The bird, as in all cases of training animals, must know but one master ; and that master, in order to thoroughly train his bird, must completely gain the bird's con- fidence. When the confidence is once gained, teaching and training are easy. Patience is every thing in training a Canary to the highest point of perfection. Notice how quickly a Canary will choose from among the members of a family his special favorite. Be assured the choice was not made by any lottery arrangement, but was made because the bird was treated kindly. Show your bird any special favor daily, and you will be surprised to see how quickly he will repay you by endeavoring to please you with his song. Gain a bird's confidence and affection first, and he will learn as many tricks as you are willing to teach him. The older authors assert that hunger is the chief means of gaining a bird's confi- dence, and usually the starting-point. I think it a cruel method when the opposite means are just as easy. To recount the tricks which a well-trained bird is capable of performing would be useless here, as, no doubt, the majority of the readers of this article have seen performing-birds of this class. The hardest branch to teach is probably arithmetic. Trainers in Frahce devote their energies to mathematics : and a troop of birds has been seen there, each member of which had to do some special example in figures ; and the intricacies of the various tables of multiplica- tion, subtraction, and division were cleared away as easily as could be done by the prize-members of a school. When Canaries are trained to perform tricks, it is, of course, essential to feed a dainty now and then as a reward. If not too lavish in the use of these, the bird may be kept in song as well as if he were not trained. The pre- 34 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. vailiug idea that a trained bird loses his song because he is learning tricks is not so : the loss of song can almost always be attributed to the rich food which is apt to be given in large quantities as rewards. PIPING CANARIES. Canaries may be taught to pipe a tune in the same manner as a trained Bullfinch, but the great trouble lies in the fact of his forgetting the air when brought into the presence of natural singing Canaries. The Canary has a natural varied song which the Bullfinch does not have : and, when trained to pipe music, he must be kept out of the reach of Canary voices ; as his natural song is recalled, and the artificial notes neglected. For this reason the difficulty in obtaining a well-trained Canary is great ; and, when one is found, he must be given a room to himself, and out of the reach of ihe vocal influence of any other Canary. When a Canary is well taught, the voice is exceedingly flutelike and clear. The lessons are given in the same manner as to the piping Bullfinch ; and it is necessary to be able to properly whistle the air, or to play a bird-organ which has it, in order to keep the bird in perfect tune. As may be imagined, it is exceedingly difficult to procure a piping Canary in a bird-shop, for the constant din from members of his own class would utterly ruin his artificial notes. These Canaries are always imported to order when one is desired. TALKING CANARIES. No doubt, to state there is such a class, provokes an incredulous smile : never- theless, believe it or not, Canaries have been trained to talk. You may say you are a great traveller, have had thousands of Canaries in your care, but never heard a Canary speak, all of which may be true. You are not one of the favored few ; for it may be safely said, that very few have ever heard one. When a talking-bird is mentioned, most persons naturally expect to hear or read something about a green parrot, — one of the smaller, insignificant parrots, to which they might listen for seventeen months, — could life last so long under such circumstances, — and never hear him utter an intelligible word, — a bird with a shriek, that, heard unexpectedly, would terrify the stoutest heart. There are many species of birds that talk ; and, likely, as we become better acquainted with the feathered tribe, many more kinds will be added to an already long list. A friend, living in Eastern Massachusetts, has a Canary, a real tame bird, of her own raising, which often used to perch on her work, fight the fingers that refused him caresses, pull the thread from her needle, and finally alight in such a position that no more stitches could be taken. This bad conduct elicited sharp remarks of assumed dis- pleasure. "Peter! Peter! fly for your life!" But Peter, like Peter the Great, would not understand what fly meant : he preferred to stay and fight. After several days' repetition of this mimic contest, imagine the surprise caused by the bird alighting in his usual battle-ground, and saying plainly, "Peter! Peter! Fly! Fly ! " Many authentic cases of the above kind are on record. Many owners of pet Canaries, who name their pets Dickie, are surprised, after repeating the name many CANARIES. 35 times in succession, to hear the exact imitation which the bird produces : his natural, sharp call-note enables him to repeat this word with probably greater ease and distinctness than any other which could be given ; but, when once able to call his own name, he is easier fitted for more advanced training in this direction. Short, sharp words of the above description are more easily mastered by him than others, owing to the high squeak of his voice. A lady is the best trainer for a Canary, as she can naturally pitch her voice at about the desired key. In London a lady gained quite a notoriety, and considerable money, by attending to this branch of training. Young Canaries, just beginning to sing, are the best for this purpose. DISEASES OF CANARIES. Most authors, writing on Canaries, start with the subject of sicknesses and dis- eases. They commence with a sick bird, and end with a healthy one. I think it much the better plan to commence at the opposite end, and, believing your bird to be a healthy one, trust that he will continue so ; but if, from any cause, sickness attacks him, it is well to know what to do. First, in becoming owner of a bird, find out as nearly as possible just how your bird has been brought up, and continue bringing him up in the same manner. In the numerous chapters devoted to special breeds of Canaries, it may be noticed that the degrees of temperature to which they were accustomed varied almost as much as the breeds of birds themselves ; ranging from the hardy English birds, some of which endure the cold as well as poultry, to the very warm class, bred in the hottest of rooms. Take an English bird, and change him to the hot temperature to which the bird of the other class has been accus- tomed, and the difference would be as marked as that of dropping a newly imported Esquimau in the vicinity of the equator. To be sure, a bird may become grad- ually accustomed to the change ; and it is during the process of acclimating him that great care must be exercised. An ounce of prevention, etc., most aptly applies to the Canary race ; and as the bird is naturally a hardy fellow, even in the breeds brought up in high temperatures, the diseases should be few if common care is given. A few hints will be given here, which have been omitted in some of the articles devoted to " Food and Care." It is unnecessary to repeat here the precaution of absolute cleanliness ; I pre- sume every lover of birds has grown heartily sick of looking at this piece of advice, and hearing it repeated : but to keep your bird's food, water, and cage clean, is to insure his health ; to neglect them, is the sure means of bringing on disease. The length of time which a disease of some sort may be warded off, is gauged only by the vigor of the bird's nature. The selection of the proper cages, with proper feed and water cups, is also essential. The cups should be so arranged as to be easy of access for the bird's head ; and the bathing-dish should be shallow, and large enough to prevent the bird from injuring his plumage in his vigorous plunges. A bath-dish which is too deep is apt to make the unlucky bird-owner think he is the possessor of a race of suicides, from the number of floating dead which will be the result of such negligence. This will particularly be the case when young Canaries attempt to bathe in dishes too deep for the purpose. 36 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. A word about perches suitable for the Canary's foot. The proper size should be — when of the same diameter throughout — about twice that of a common-sized lead-pencil. Perches which are too small are a source of constant misery to the bird. You will always notice in the case where the perch tapers at the ends, that the bird chooses the centre or thickest portion as his natural resting-place, on account of the rest which it gives his feet. The Canary naturally follows the old adage, " Early to bed," etc. He will, in the early hours of the evening, go to roost, putting his head beneath his wing, evidently with the intention of letting it remain there, unless disturbed ; and he will also as eagerly seek the early sunshine. Hang the cage, therefore, where the rising sun will reach him ; and the effect will be worth many bottles of medicine to the sick bird, and renewed strength to the health}7 one. Heat, if not obtained naturally, must be had artificially, where there are sick birds, or in the breeding-room. The young birds require it, as do also the weakened systems of the old. Mice are a source of torture to Canaries, and oftentimes succeed in frightening healthy birds into sickness, and even death : you will oftentimes perceive your Canary drooping and sickly in appearance from no apparent cause ; and this is provoking in itself, be- cause of the care you have given him. If there are mice in the house, and any pos- sible chance for them to reach your Canary cage or room, rest assured they will get there. Bird-seeds are as delicious to them as the best brands of cheese ; and the}' will enter the cage in the dark, and succeed in making your bird as sick as the most ambitious bird-doctor could desire. The only remedy is, to hang the cage out of possible reach, and, in the case of the breeding-room, to effectually bar them out by means of zinc. If you disregard the mice, the larger enemies, rats, will follow ; and, instead of nursing sick birds, you will be burying dead ones. Insects are another pest, and worse even than mice, for they are more stealthy, and do not leave such visible traces of their visitations ; but they succeed in so completely torturing the bird, that his life is gradually consumed. Students who make the study of insects a specialty say, that there are two classes of them which annoy the Canary : one class is composed of those which remain on the bird's body throughout the entire twenty-four hours, and the other of those which seek the bird's body only at night, and remain in the crevices of the cage and perches through the day. The two are closely allied, and their differences can only be detected by the most powerful of microscopes. In order to thoroughly rid your bird of both kinds, — for where one class is known to be, the other is most sure to follow, — use the German Insect Powder, the only sure kind. It must be thoroughly dusted over the bird's body, under the feathers ; and a thorough cleansing of the cage must follow. If the cage is of brass, the effectual way is to have it refinished, and the perches renewed. If insects appear in the wooden breeding-cage, the birds should be removed if pos- sible ; and the cage should receive a thorough coat of varnish, after first being washed with soap and warm water, and the joints and crevices treated with a solu- tion of bichloride of mercury. Only tightly jointed breeding-cages should be used : the old, rickety, loosely constructed affairs should be discarded. For this reason, when purchasing a breeding-cage, buy only the best ; as they are not thrown to- gether, but neatly jointed and varnished. When the presence of insects is sus- pected, if the crevices and joints are inspected, a little white deposit resembling CANARIES. 37 flour will be noticed ; this is a sure sign, as the deposit is the eggs of the insects : wherever observed, the varnish-brush must be applied. A stroke with a brushful of varnish will catch them in a trap from which escape is impossible. In case where a large room is used for breeding, before putting the birds in, it should be most thoroughly cleansed, and whitewashed or painted. With clean utensils, and clean, healthy birds, at the start, you will have insured freedom from these pests. The different nests used are here worthy of mention. It has been said, that, give a pair of Canaries only half a chance, and they will breed and hatch on the bare floor. How true this is, I do not know ; but certain it is, that some astonishing speci- mens are reared in the rudest affairs possible. In the German district, the little wicker cage with the front detached, and a nest of moss, serve the purpose : this is fastened to the front of the breed ing- cage, and the parent birds fly in or out at will. The English nests are made of different materials and of different shapes, the most primitive being a leather cup of the desired size ; and another is a sort of basket made by sewing stout manila cord in the desired form. In Norwich the nest is made of wood, square in shape, with a back-board, which is used for fasten- ing against the wall. In still other parts of England, the perforated tin or wire netting nests are used. The materials used for lining vary greatly, and may be either felt, moss, jute, dried grasses, or deer's hair. The latter substance and the perforated tin or wire nest are the best for all practical purposes. It is better, per- haps, all things considered, to allow the Canary to do its own building : to be sure, it is most certainly a fact, that years of domestication have impaired the architec- tural skill of the Canary ; this is proved by the fact that no two build nests exactly alike : however, it is best to leave them to their own resources. There is apparently no difference in the health of birds reared in the most cleverly constructed nests, and of those which are reared in nests which at best may be called mere apologies. The breeding-cages should be of sufficient siz4* to allow the young birds, when able to fly, plenty of space ; for the strength thus gained is of great benefit to the health when the birds grow older. The ailments to which young birds are subject are few if bred from healthy parents. The last brood of the season is apt to be sickly, when, as a natural cause of impaired strength in the parents, the weakness is transmitted to the young. The birds of the late broods should be separated from the earlier, healthier birds, and their constitutions built up by means of plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and rich feeding on egg-mixture and green stuffs. Indigestion. — During the earlier part of their existence, young Canaries spend a great deal of time in sleep. This is perfectly natural ; but when they are ob- served to be sleeping more than the usual time, and when the bird has the appear- ance of a puff-ball, it should be taken in hand at once. The disease in early youth is generally indigestion, arising from unwholesome or stale food, such as the egg- mixture or green food permitted to grow sour in the cage ; or it may arise from overeating of delicacies which have been introduced into the cage. Whatever the cause, the bird should be caught, and a couple of drops of castor-oil dropped down his throat ; or the drinking-water may be removed from the cage for two hours, so that the bird will have a desire for it when returned : then float a few drops of cod- liver oil on the water. Either of the above will afford almost immediate relief. The bird should then be removed to a dry, warm place, and fed on crushed hemp for a few days. 38 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. Wasting. — Another cause of complaint among the German young Canaries is the wasting away of flesh, which comes from feeding too much plain rape, and not enough rich, stimulating food in addition. The l>ird, if examined, will be found to be almost a complete skeleton. Warmth and rich diet will prove beneficial in this case. Temperature. — A young bird should not be too suddenly changed to a colder room ; for the result will be an inflamed, red appearance of the veins on the body. Birds thus affected should be treated as for wasting. Surfeit. — This appears in young birds of from a month to six weeks old, and is caused by gluttony. Alum or a little common salt dissolved in the drinking-water is recommended. The food should consist of bread and Canary-seed soaked in boiled milk ; and the bird should be allowed a bath in tepid water, after which he should be thoroughly dried. Feed sparingly on millet-seed for a few days. Constipation. — It is often found, on buying a young Canary freshly imported, that it shows signs of constipation by a frequent twitching of the tail. A German authority prescribes the following : Take a piece of soft, stale bread, and soak it in cream that has stood over night ; take the bread out, and allow the cream to adhere to it ; sprinkle with a little maw-seed, and feed at once. Do not allow the mixture to remain too long in the cage, as bad effects are sure to follow. This is a mild dose and a speedy cure. The ailments to which the entire Canary race are subject are no more than could be expected of birds kept in close confinement. The causes of diseases may be divided into five classes : (1) The most common diseases result from exposure, or from draughts of cold air when birds are hung in a warm room ; (2) From badly ventilated rooms, or from being hung where the foul air, emitted with hot, burnt gas, reaches them ; (3) Too much unwholesome food, and the feeding of too many dainties ; (4) Sour or stale food, and foul drinking-water ; (5) Contagion. The medicines used in the treatment of Canary diseases are few and simple ; the chief requirement in most cases being a change either in air. temperature, food, or water. The chief diseases are troubles of the lungs or chest, and may result from a variety of causes, — from dampness, draughts, cold after bathing, or slight chills during the moulting season. Consumption. — The first result is a cold, which, if not cared for. develops into consumption. Some birds are more easily affected than others, which is caused by the hereditary character of this complaint. This illness must not be confounded with asthma : the latter may be detected by the periodic attacks of wheezing. The symptoms are about the same : in both cases there is a wheezing sound, and the bird is more languid that usual. These symptoms continue da}7 and night. The treat- ment should consist of building up the constitution by means of nourishing foods. The egg-mixture and an abundance of green stuffs should be given. A small dose of castor-oil, when the disease first shows itself, will be found very beneficial. Keep the patient in a temperature of 70° to 75°. The water should be changed often, say twice a day, and should have dissolved in it a small piece of gum-arabic, and a little glycerine added. A drop or two of cod-liver oil will also give great relief. If the above treatment does not afford relief, strono-er remedies must be used. CANARIES. 39 The drinking-water must be turned into a cough-mixture, which may consist of twenty drops of paregoric added to the drinking-cup of water ; or another good mix- ture is made by adding to the drinking-water five drops of muriate of morphia, a teaspoonful of glycerine, and a morsel of gum-arabic. The bowels, if not opened sufficiently by the glycerine, should be kept moderately open by the addition to the water of about as much carbonate of magnesia as will lie on a ten-cent piece. Asthma may also be of hereditary form, and, if not attended to when first noticed, will develop into a chronic disorder which is incurable. The symptoms are familiar to any who have had any considerable experience among Canaries : there are the quick, short gasps of the bird at night, most painful to listen to, as well as the puff-ball appearance of the body. The natural causes are sudden draughts, improper food, or overfeeding and indigestion. The food and treatment should be the same as for consumption, care being taken to change the green food every day. In cases of long standing, a few grains of iodide of potassium added to the usual drinking-water is recommended. Tonics which contain iron in any form are also very strengthening, and may be given to the amount of fifteen or twenty drops daily to the drinking-water. Loss of Voice. — This is a frequent complaint among song Canaries, caused by exposure to cold, or from overstraining the vocal organs by too constant song. A couple of drops of castor-oil should be administered in the beginning : then add ten drops of paregoric, a small teaspoouful of glycerine, and a small piece of rock- candy to the drinking-water. The food should be richer than the usual daily food : in addition to the seed, add a portion of grated hard-boiled egg, dusted with cayenne pepper. When attended to at once, this complaint is easily cured. Diarrhcea is caused by giving too much green food, or food which when fed is too wet, or is decayed. Bad drinking-water is another frequent cause, as are also stale or musty seeds. Exposure to cold, which results in sending the blood to the internal organs, is another cause. This disease may be detected by the watery state of the excrement : the disease is very weakening in its effect, and, if not attended to, quickly causes the bird's death. The bird should be changed into a clean, dry cage ; or, when this is not to be obtained, let the cage he is in be cleaned thoroughly, frequently changing the gravel, which should be warmed and dried before being strewn in the cage-bottom. Hang the cage in a warm, well- ventilated place.. Change the food by giving the bird light biscuit or stale bread soaked in new milk, to which a little prepared chalk and a little powdered loaf-sugar may be added. Should this fail, fifteen drops each of elixir of vitriol and tincture of opium may be added to the drinking-water. When the case develops into bloody diarrhoea, which is seen by the bloody nature of the excrement, it becomes a serious disease, and one difficult to check. A good mixture is, to add to a wineglassful of water fifteen drops of tincture of laudanum, thirty drops of wine of ipecacuanha, and three of four grains of nitrate of potash. Watchful care is required after the bird has recovered from the diarrhoea ; and daily egg-food added to his usual seed, and iron tonic to his water, is required to build him up. Constipation is caused by an error in the bird's food : too much egg and 40 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. pepper to a bird not used to it. being a cause, is easily detected by the uneasiness of the bird, and the thick, ruffled appearance of the feathers. A few drops of castor- oil usually affords relief. The permanent cure is effected through the food: in summer, fresh green food should be given daily ; and a mixture of egg, raw. grated carrot, and sugar, in the winter, or when fresh green food cannot be obtained, is an effectual remedy. Inflammation of the Bowels. — This is a disease of which numberless Canaries die, while they may be treated for another ailment. The disease is caused by overeating too stimulating food, or from unwholesome diet of sour food : bad drinking-water is also frequently the cause. Careless bird-keepers leave the care of their birds to more careless servants ; and the drinking-water becomes tinged with :i green mucous matter, which is rank poison. The symptoms are languidness, the bird rarely stands upright, but rests with his bodyou the perch, and does not care to sing. If the invalid is caught and examined, the lower part of the abdomen will be found to be of a color varying from a rich to a dark red, according to the stage of the disorder. The diet should be changed as in all other cases: cleanliness is most essential. and the same precautions should be taken as in cases of diarrhoea. Dip a camel's-hair brush into warm turpentine, and paint the inflamed abdomen, and open the bowels, if constipated, by giving three drops of castor-oil, ten grains of each of the tinctures of opium and belladonna ; and a few drops of gum-arabic added to the drinking-water should be the daily drink until a cure is effected. The food should be of the lightest description : light biscuit soaked in milk, and frequently changed, should be the main diet. A little brandy may be added to the drinking mixture as a last resource if the bird is about to be given up, although we would not recommend it unless the case seems almost beyond hope. Stimulating foods and tonics must be given during convalescence. Inflammation of the Liver. — This is an almost incurable disease, and is sure to follow the overfeeding of dainties, such as hemp-seed, sugar, plum-cake, etc., and too high temperature. The symptoms are the restless actions of the bird : he is nervous, hot, and thirsty, and evidently suffers great pain. The absence of wheezing indicates there is no lung trouble, and the natural color of the bowels betrays no symptoms of inflammation. Commence by giving three drops of castor-oil : when the bowels have been acted on, put daily in the drinking-water fifteen grains of tincture of opium and a teaspoonful of dandelion juice. When the pain has subsided, omit the opium, and continue with the dandelion. The diet should be of the lightest kind, and digestion must be aided by the regular iron tonic. When the bird is fully cured, feed on only the plainest seeds ; the German summer rape-seed forming the main part of the mixture. The bath need not be omitted in any of the above cases, except when the sick- ness is very severe. Epilepsy, or Fits. — This is caused by too rich food, overeating, or too fre- quent mating, any one of which causes a suspension of the heart's action ; or it may be caused by fright, which is often the case when a bird is caught too suddenly. When the bird is attacked, hold the cage in the fresh air, and gently sprinkle the sufferer with a few drops of cold water. CANARIES. 41 Another and frequently fatal cause arises from hanging the bird in the hot, blistering sun. In such a case smelling-salts are required in addition to the sprinkling of cold water. The diet must be carefully regulated ; and plain seeds, alternated with crackers and milk, should be the food. Tonic should be given daily. Cramps are caused by filthy cages, or from confining the bird in a cage much too small for him : they may also come from indigestion. They may be cured by adding a few drops of laudanum to the drinking-water. If in the legs, which may be noticed by the nervous contraction of both members, the best cure is, to immerse the legs in warm water, and hang the cage in a warm place. Bathing too frequently will cause birds to have cramps, and a third attack is sure to prove fatal. One bath a day, or a bath on alternate days, is frequently enough. The Pip is a small swelling which appears on the bird's rump. It may be easily cured by gently opening the swelling with a sewing-needle. A little cold cream should be afterwards gently rubbed over it. Feed the bird on mild food for a few days. Surfeit in old birds is indicated by a slight eruption on the body, and an extend- ing baldness on the head. It is caused by an abrupt change in food, or by continued plain diet. Add a few grains of Epsom salts to the water, and give a daily feeding of green stuffs. A little lemon-juice added to the drinking-water is also very bene- ficial. The head should be rubbed with any simple ointment. Pimples, or Obstruction of the Rump-Gland. — This is a gland which forms part of the structural economy of every .bird, and is intended for secreting the oily substance required to render the plumage supple, and impervious to wet. The bird presses this gland, which is situated just above the rump, with its bill, and the oil oozes out ; if this is not done frequently, the opening is apt to get clogged : and, there being no vent for the increasing contents of the gland, it gets hard and inflamed. If you see your bird sitting about with its tail bent downwards, and often turning its head to peck at the hinder part, where the feathers will most likely appear ruffled, suspect that this is the case ; and if, on examination, you find it so, rub the gland with some fresh butter and sugar mixed together, at the same time clearing and enlarging the aperture with a needle or sharp knife. Some persons cut off the gland altogether, but this is a bad plan ; for, although it effects a cure, it deprives the bird of a useful organ, for want of which at the next moult he will probably die. Bechstein recommends a salve of litharge, white lead, and olive-oil, to remove the obstruction ; and Tscheiner, another German naturalist, states that this evil may be remedied by puncturing the gland, compressing it frequently, bathing the bird with a syringe, and plucking out some of the tail-feathers. In the renewal of the feathers, accumulated fat is absorbed, and the gland sufficiently relieved to resume its func- tions. Yellow Gall is indicated by a small ulcer or a number of them around the head and eyes. If the bird has been fed on plain food, change to something more nourish- ing. The ulcers should be cut, and anointed with any simple ointment. The follow- ing remedy for this complaint has also been successfully tried. Make a strong solu- tion of sugar of lead with rain- water, saturate the ulcers thoroughly, and bathe the parts, wherever sore, three or four times per day. This will effect a cure in from four to seven days. 42 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. Giddiness. — This cannot be called a disease, but is merely a disagreeable habit which the bird has of twisting and turning the head, and continually looking Up and backwards. The best remedy is, to use a cage covered on top. Cancer. — This disease is oftentimes fatal. The cancer is a warty, yellowish protuberance, which appears at the base of the bird's bill. It sometimes attacks the feet as well. It is caused by filthy cages or filthy food, which gradually poison. The parts affected should be bathed frequently in a strong solution of alum and water, which will tend to dry up the warts, and cause them to fall off. After this use olive-oil or glycerine for healing purposes. Keep the cage as clean as possible, and hang in a warm position. Feed the bird only on plain food. Contagious Diseases. — These arise from overcrowded bird-rooms, where the air becomes so foul that disease must surely be the result. Bird-owners who own only a few birds are not usually affected by it. In appearance a bird may be per- fectly healthy and in song ; yet the disease lurks in his system, and results fatally unless speedy means are taken to check it. When the disease appears among a small number of birds, it may result from unclean or poisonous drinking-water, and is shown by numerous ulcers on the head and body. In other cases the disease is noticed by the short gasps of the bird, as though in great distress. As soon as noticed, all cages in the room should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and the seed, water, and bath cups thoroughly cleansed. Keep the birds in the purest atmosphere possible : sunshine is also good. Feed such birds on plain seeds, with a little maw-seed in the mixture. Green food and egg-mixture should not be given during the run of the disease. Add to the drinking-water a teaspoonful of brandy and a few drops of paregoric : float this mixture with a little cayenne pepper. The above remedy has resulted in complete recovery when the disease was promptly attended to. If allowed to run without checking, the result will be surely fatal. Wounds are usually the result of accidents, caused by the bird getting his feet or claws entangled in some parts of the cage. They may also be caused by coming- in contact with the edges of broken seed or water vessels. When the accident happens to the feet, the bird should be carefully caught, and the feet bathed with warm water : the wound should then be bathed with some healing remedy, such as a solution of five grains of sulphate of zinc in an ounce of water, or touch the wound with a piece of wet alum. When the wound is on the body, bathe the part with warm water first, and with the sulphate-of-zinc solution afterwards. The above should be applied about twice every day. Sore Feet are a result usually of filthy cages, or from improper attention to the legs and feet while the bird is growing old. If the cause is filthy cages, clean the feet thoroughly Tby soaking them in warm water, remove all particles of dirt which adhere to them, and, after wiping dry, anoint with glycerine or some other simple ointment until fully healed and healthy. Meanwhile keep the cage as clean as pos- sible. If the soreness is caused by not removing the scales which grow on the bird's legs as he gets older, take the bird carefully in hand, and anoint thoroughly the affected parts with some softening lotion, such as cold cream, and, after two or three days' application, gently remove the scales by means of a sharp knife. When they are all removed, anoint dailv with the ointment until cured. CANARIES. 43 The claws of Canaries sometimes grow very long and hooking, and need to be cut. Hold the bird up to a strong light, and cut the claws with a sharp pair of scissors, avoiding hitting the vein in the claw. The bill, or beak, may grow so long that it is almost impossible for the bird to pick up his food. Usually only the upper mandible needs to be cut back, and should be left of natural length, and, of course, longer than the lower. After being cut with the scissors, the round edge may be scraped off with a knife ; and the end of the bill should not be left blunt, but should be brought, by scraping, to such a point as it naturally would have. Accidents to the joints may sometimes occur from the bird getting caught in the bars of the cage ; and a wrench will cause, sometimes, a painful inflammation. Bathe the afflicted part with a solution of hot water, and a few drops of tincture of opium. Broken Legs. — In case of a broken leg, draw the leg out slightly, taking hold just below the break, then, with fingers and thumb, press the ends of the break into position. Shear the feathers off for a half-inch each side of the limb if necessary, and wind a couple of times around the break a piece of cotton cloth three- quarters of an inch wide, and secure it with thread. Take two half-inch splints of pine, each one-sixteenth of an inch thick, and one-eighth of an inch wide ; place "one splint inside the leg, and the other outside, and secure them firmly in their places by thread ; remove the perches, place the seed and water in the bottom of the cage, and trust to nature to effect a healing. When a bird gets mangled beyond possible recovery, it is evidence of the kindest heart to administer chloroform. To do this, make a paper horn large enough to hold the bird ; let six drops of chloroform drop into the bottom ; put the bird in, and close the top of the horn. His suffering is ended. Death is painless and instantaneous. The prevention of disease is worthy of far greater praise than any possible dis- play of skill can be that attempts to control the flame of fever kindled by sheer carelessness. To prevent diseases in birds, use the best quality of seeds, clean, fresh water for drinking or bathing, coarse, flinty gravel, cuttle-bone, and fresh green stuff. If these are supplemented by light, airy rooms, where the bird may have one or two hours of sunlight each day, and regular attention, your bird, if fairly well bred, will be subject to few diseases. BREEDING-BIRDS. Canaries may be bred either in aviaries or in separate cages. The aviary method can be followed by those who have no definite purpose other than the pleas- ure to be derived from general observation. "We may sum up," says Blakston, •' the advantages of the aviary system briefly, by saying that it involves only a small amount of care and attention : the birds being left pretty much to take care of them- selves, to choose their own mates, and make their little world inside the wires as much as possible like that outside. The observer has nothing to do but watch the goings on of the little republic, which will develop much that is beautiful. In the 44 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRD^. aviary, there is the disadvantage of indiscriminate pairing, rendering it impossible to breed any distinct variety ; though this may not be any objection to those who, as long as they breed something, and have the pleasure of seeing it grow, care little what that something may be." In putting a pair alone in a separate cage, special colors, sizes, shapes, and, it can be added almost with certainty, desirable songs, may be obtained. To our general breeder, it matters little, usually, whether his young birds are clear or mot- tled, have a dark cap or are ticked, since he has the pleasure of raising the birds, be the color what it may, and the added pleasure of making many friends happy, whom he may favor with gifts of pets. Birds mate in cages any time from January on until June, and birds once mated will breed until September. A case is known where a pair of Canaries hatched a brood each month during the year. This pair reared that year a total of forty-two birds. You will join us in exclaiming this was a clear case of cruelty to animals. A cage for breeding may be made of brass or wood ; but the former keeps freer from insects, and on this account is greatly preferred. For a single pair of birds, it should be not less than 8x10; and 9 x 12 or 10 x 1C is better. The wood-frame and tinned-wire cages, with solid wood backs, are very convenient ; because they can hang up against the wall, or set on a shelf against the wall. A position against the wall, about eight feet from the floor, and with a southern aspect, seems to be cor- rect. A breeding-cage ought not to swing. These wood-frame cages are 10x14 or larger, and are constructed with a movable platform, containing one or two nest-places. Food and water bottles hang in wire rings at either end, on the outside of the cage. The nests are wire, and lined with cotton- wool flannel. Deer's hair is furnished the birds, so they may arrange the interior of the nest to suit themselves. Gravel should be strewn in abundance on the draw ; and a bit of old plastering, from an old building, should be partially crushed, and furnished in small quantities daily. When this cannot be obtained, crushed oyster-shells may be substituted. Birds thus provided for seldom lay soft-shell eggs. The daily food should be equal parts of German summer rape, Sicily canary, and millet seeds mixed, and, for one pair of birds, one-third of both parts of a hard- boiled egg, with which has been mixed a thimbleful of pulverized cracker, or cracker-dust, and a very little maw-seed every other day, or oftener if it seems need- ful ; give sweet apple or lettuce or celery, and, in a special dish, a thimble of maw or poppy seed. Birds which are to be mated ought to be fed as above stated for two or more weeks previous to mating. It is a good plan to let the pair hang within sight of each other, and become acquainted, before being put in the cage together ; for love at first sight is still rare enough to be noteworthy. After the birds have been fed and watered, and had the bath, and the cage has been cleaned, unless they really need something more to eat, or some ailment requires attention, leave them to their own resources for their pleasure. Too close attention, and frequent taking clown of the cage to show the pair to callers, has separated many mates, and ruined prospects that gave fair promises of a large and beautiful family. I don't say, that trying to breed birds contrary to every suggestion given above .Golden Spangled Lizard Canary. Norwich Canary, ly Marked, Crested Yellow. CANARIES. 45 will result in failure ; but if the suggestions are followed, and you use a pair of good birds, great success is altogether probable, utter failure impossible. Having thus given a general outline on the two methods of breeding, and infor- mation in regard to suitable cages and proper food for pairs of birds, we shall try to state in detail how to mate two Canaries, and take care of them. There must lie a starting-place in breeding birds, as in every thing else ; so suppose we mark the place, in order to recognize it in a second visit. " Like produces like." It is a very disagreeable "old saw;" but as it is about the worst one known, and will likely, before we are through, worry us more than any other could, why, let it stand to menace and harass us. Recall the maxim above, and commence to breed with the very best stock you can obtain. kt Secure good birds," writes Blakston, " but never mind the age if they are only healthy. When a year old, the cock birds look out eagerly for mates ; and the hens are equally anxious for the duties of maternity, and, if left to themselves, would lay nests of unfertile eggs, and sit on them till hope died out in declining health and strength. We have never found that age added one iota to their ex- perience, or that youth was connected with any lack of knowledge." If one wishes clear deep-yellow birds, let deep-yellow, unmarked birds be mated : if cinnamon colors are desired, mate a deep gold-colored male with a clear green female, or mate two cinnamon birds. Mottled or splashed birds may beget clear yellow colors from some clear yellow ancestry back two or three generations, but generally they produce a mottled progeny. Colors and sizes are generally re- produced, but voices or songs are never reproduced. The young birds that sing like their father do so because they hear only his song. A young Canary will learn the notes of a Lark or Nightingale or Virginia Redbird as quickly as the song of a Canary, and when thus taught is, of course, much more valuable. Both of a pair may be crested birds ; but in that case some of the nestlings may have very poor crests, and usually the crests are imperfect in shape. To obtain the largest and best crests, mate a Crest with a Plainhead. The largest birds with the best crests are the Lancashire Coppies, bred in Roch- dale, Ashton-under-Lyne, and other towns in England : the Coppies bred in Man- chester, England, are equally famous. These two varieties are alike in size, shape, and color and crest, and are the longest and largest breed of all Canaries. The Norwich, England, Canaries, both Plainheads and Crested birds, are large, strong birds, and, in respect to high colors, stand at the head of the list. Those who like to breed short, compact birds will select the German variety : all of the German Canaries are the same size, but the St. Andreasberg breed are trained singers. Ordinarily there is no difficulty in mating birds : when you decide on the shapes and colors desired, put the pair together. The probability is, that, when the birds are first put together, they will quarrel ; but it is not always the case. It arises from the fact, that the male bird is always the first to make advances towards a more intimate acquaintance ; and the female, as is fit and proper, with becoming- modesty repels them. If he be a bird who has spent the winter wisely in studying bird-nature, he will commence by admiring the nest, and giving his opinion on things in general, and will coax the female with presents of dainty morsels, and a display of polite gallantry ; but if he begins at once to be too familiar, and the first 46 CANAEIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. song he sings is, "Oh! name the day, the happy day," she will thrash him, or try to do so. But it is the same old, old story over again ; and we all know how it ends. In a few days they will have settled matters to their mutual satisfaction, and then begins the serious business of life. It is not, however, always so. .Some females take a settled aversion to a particular male, and will never pair with him. In such a case change the female. The first indication of the birds having come to an understanding is the male feeding his. mate. As stated above, give the pair daily, in addition to the rape, canary, and millet seeds, mixed in equal parts, one-third of both parts of a hard- boiled egg, grated on a coarse grater, and mix with it a thimbleful of pulverized cracker, and half a thimbleful of maw or poppy seeds ; furnish them with small quantities of old plastering crushed, or crushed oyster-shell, to prevent laying soft- shell eggs. It will sometimes happen, that, the day before a female lays, she will be seen in the morning in the most complete health, her feathers close and compact, wings tucked up, and nothing to indicate the presence of any disarrangement ; but in the afternoon she will be found apparently about ready to go home. She seeks a corner of the cage, panting violently, and squats on the ground with wings outstretched, feathers all ruffled, head thrown back, eyes closed, in a state of entire prostration, the picture of complete misery. On the following morning, if she should not have laid her egg, something must be done. Take her gently in the left hand, with her head towards the little finger, and the tail projecting between the thumb and first finger, and holding her in this position over the steam of boiling water, in a narrow- necked jug, expose the vent freely to the action of the steam. Let her have a good vapor-bath, and then, with a bluntly pointed little stick, drop one or two drops of sweet oil on the vent. Gently replace her in the nest, and the egg will soon be laid, even if it be not dropped in the jug. Early attention to a case when the bird is egg-bound is of utmost importance. On no account must the egg be broken, or the consequences will be immediately fatal. The removal of eggs as laid may be made or not. If removed, they should be returned to the nest on the afternoon of the day the third egg is laid. The female then goes to the nest at night, lays her fourth egg in the morning, and generally commences to sit so closely that the date of hatching may be reckoned from the fourth morning. She will sit thirteen days, and hatch punctually to an hour. But, if the eggs should not break at the time expected, let the bird remain undisturbed three or four days. The egg-and-cracker paste is continued, of course, during the setting, for the old birds to feed the nestlings with. In a case where the young are deserted by the old birds, or are not fed enough, cut a hard-boiled egg in halves, and, after moisten- ing the yolk with saliva, scrape up some egg with a little flat stick, making it very moist, about the consistency of cream, and, wherever there is a suspicion of an empty crop, give the young bird a good feed. With young birds, if in place of full crops, plump breasts, and heavy abdomen, you find every feature dwarfed, it is time to commence artificial feeding, as above. The egg-trough should be filled two or three times every day with fresh egg and green food, lettuce, chickweed, and water-cress also given fresh frequently. Fresh food will often induce the mother to feed the young when nothing else will. CANARIES. 47 When the young birds are four or five clays old, the breeder may find them some day with the down all gone, or tangled and matted with moisture. This is an indi- cation of the female having begun to sweat them, by sitting too closely. Some- times this will continue, no matter what is done ; but it can often be stopped by removing the male from the cage, and thus compel the female to leave the nest quite frequently for food. If the male can be put in an adjoining compartment of the same cage, where he can feed the female through the wires, he will incessantly call 'her to come and feed ; and these invitations she cannot refuse. The chances are, that on returning to the nest she will feed the young. Should the female forsake her young, they may be put with the other chicks, where, generally, they will have good care. If, when the young are a week old, the nest is infested with insects, a nest, as nearly as possible like the one in use, should be prepared, the birds transferred, and the old nest destroyed. Keep the young birds confined in the nest if possible until they are three weeks old, by which time they are as large as their parents, and can use the perch. If, now, the female inclines to pull the feathers from the young birds, they may be put in a cage with the father-bird, who will continue to feed them as long as it is necessary. If, meantime, one wishes the pair to start a second brood, the male should be put with his mate a short time night and morning : when the third egg has been laid, he can be removed altogether, and put in charge of the young birds. Young birds of the same age may be kept together quite a long time : but, if the young of different ages are put together, the older birds are liable to pick the feath- ers from the younger ; and, if such a course is continued, it will have serious results. When the young first try to eat seeds, they will grow faster and thrive better if given canary seeds, rape, millet ; and some hemp, crushed for them in a coffee-mill, is added. Where it is not convenient to so crush it, the seed may be moistened some to soften the hulls. So far the difficulties and dangers arising in breeding Canaries have been pointed out : the pleasure and satisfaction afforded in watching the growth of the young, their tameness, bright, playful ways, and astonishing intelli- gence, would require still larger space. After one or two nests of Canaries have been reared, one may take a good- breeding, light-colored female, and mate with some of the Finch family early in May. It is not necessary that the female should have been mated previously to being mated with the Goldfinch : but, as the Finches do not mate until May, the female Canary can be used up to that time ; and such use is generally beneficial. For Mule-breeding, select a female that throws variegated birds : for if, when mated with a Canary, she throws dark birds, when mated with the Finch the progeny will be still darker; and thus the great object sought for — high color — will not be attained. In selecting Goldfinches, nearly every breeder follows some whim of his own which he is sure is the foundation of his success in raising handsome birds ; so there are a great many theories as to what requisites a Goldfinch should possess. One statement which appears to have an extensive backing is, that the bird should be a Cheveral, — a Goldfinch which has the distinction of a white streak from the base of the lower bill down the breast ; but this is a mere statement, and not an argument, 48 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. since many of the handsomest Mules ever shown were bred by men who never owned a Cheveral. The male Finch and female Canary are usually mated ; and the reason is, that, from such an alliance, there is a greater chance of obtaining Mules resembling the Canary, and also because the female Canary, being more domesticated, is likely to be a more reliable mother : but the female Goldfinch will breed readily in confine- ment mated with a male Canary, or with a Goldfinch, or even with a Linnet, Siskin, or Bullfinch. Since such Hybrids are usually very dark, they are not considered valuable, and are seldom bred. Select the Goldfinch early in the season, so he may be well tamed, and, in April, feed with stimulating diet, such as egg, maw-seed, canary and rape seed, and hemp- seed. When the last tinge of black has disappeared from his beak, and it begins to assume that delicate, transparent pinky-white color, it is time to think of putting him with his mate. If there are several Goldfinches, they may be mated with the females just the same as Canaries ; but, if there is only one bird in prime condition, he may be " run " through six or eight cages. He need not necessarily be allowed to remain long with each bird. If permitted to settle down with a single mate, he will be very attentive, and at once accept the responsibilities of his position, nursing and feeding in a most exemplary manner. There is some risk in leaving an untried bird with the female after she lays ; as he may be inquisitive, and try to find out what the egg-shells contain. If he shows such a disposition, he must be taken -from the cage before the egg is laid : after it is removed from the nest, he can be returned. Hybrid-breeding is fascinating, and has great charms, as its results are so uncertain : the probabilities are, that all the Mules will be dark, ordinary-colored birds ; the possibility is, there may be among the nest of fledglings a single brilliant-colored bird, — a bird whose wealth of white and gold is worth years of experiments to obtain. Bullfinches mate with Canaries, and sometimes a handsome bird is obtained ; but in this cross brilliant colors are not sought for so much as fine song. The Bullfinch has a mellow, subdued note, produced through his wide throat ; and when the Mule has the Bullfinch form and size, and is a singer, his tones are most delightful. The brightest colors are obtained by mating the male Bullfinch with a light-colored female Canary ; but as the female Bullfinch is very tame and a good setter, and is more likely to mate than the male, the Mules are oftener bred from her and a male Canary. Linnets and Siskins can also be mated with Canaries, and these and the Bullfinch may be managed the same as Goldfinches. Nestling Mules should be fed the same as nestling Canaries, with the paste made of hard-boiled egg — both parts — and cracker-dust: crushed hemp-seed, and rape-seed soaked, so the hull is soft, should be given when they are two to three weeks old. Canaries, like unfeathered bipeds, have their particular fancies ; and the male you propose to mate, perchance may have set his affections elsewhere. If matters are going on all right, place in the cage, where it may be easily seen and got at, some deer's hair, washed very clean, and put lined wire nests, of the size and shape of a bird's nest, in the platform of the cage ; these the birds will most likely pro- ceed to line with the materials supplied for the purpose : should they not, you had CANAEIES. 49 better do it for them, pressing the hair gently and evenly down all round the sides ; the rims of the nests should rest firmly on the platform of the cage. Notwithstand- ing all your care and attention, you will sometimes find a first egg laid away from either nest, in one of which you must gently place it ; and most likely the second will be laid by its side. Some persons adopt the plan of removing the eggs as they are laid, and putting ivory balls in their place, and then restoring them all together to the nest, that the young may be hatched at the same time ; but the policy of this is very questionable : there is great danger of breaking the eggs ; and it gives unneces- sary disturbance to the old birds, which, in the management of their domestic matters, should not be interfered with unnecessarily. We have said that the Canary has his fancies. When you are mating him with two hens, he will some- times be very ardent and loving towards one of them, and neglect the other alto- gether. When this is the case, it is best to put the neglected hen in one division of the cage by herself until the other begins to lay, then place the male with her, and keep him there until she does the same, after which the sliding-door may be left open, as there is no longer any occasion for keeping the birds separate. Seven or eight days after pairing, the first egg is generally laid, and each day after another, until the whole number, four or five, is laid. In about thirteen days from this time, the young ought to make their appearance ; wait another day, and, should there then be no signs of hatching, take the eggs carefully from the nest, keep them for four or five minutes in lukewarm water, and then replace them. It is well before doing this to hold them up to the light ; as, if they are semi-transparent, they are bad, and may be destroyed. This experiment may be tried when the eggs have been set on eight days only ; and the mother-bird, perhaps, may be saved some unnecessary trouble, and loss of time. Sometimes a hen will lay three or four eggs, and then desert the nest. If those eggs are examined, they will generally be found bad : by what secret instinct is the bird informed of this ? Some hens will cut their eggs ; and some turn them out of the nest, and break them. In the former case, it is gener- ally hunger which drives the bird to do it ; to prevent this, food should be prepared over night, and placed where she can easily get it : in the latter case you may be pretty sure that your hen is a hasty, impatient bird, that will not endure the drudgery of attending to her offspring. If she hatches them, they will most likely be served as the eggs were, or left to perish of hunger: such a bad mother should not be used as a breeder. Before deciding on this, however, examine the feet of the bird ; as this overturning of the nest will sometimes occur from the claws being dirty and clogged, or the nails too long. As soon as the young are hatched, Bechstein recommends that a small jar should be placed beside the common feeding-trough containing a quarter of a hard-boiled egg, minced very fine, with a piece of white bread previously soaked in water, and squeezed dry ; and with this another jar, containing rape-seed which has been boiled and well washed, to remove the bitter taste from it : these should be prepared fresh every morning. It sometimes happens that a young mother is so over-careful and anxious about the eggs not hatched, that she will not leave the nest to feed the young birds which are out ; and so they get starved. If you keep a register of the laying of the eggs, you will know exactly when the hatching ought to commence. Let plenty of food be placed close to the nest over night, and observe if she <>-ets off 50 . CANARIES AND CAGZ-BIltDS. to take it in the morning, when you feel assured she ought to have her first chick out of the shell. Should she not do this, nor the cock carry food to her, take her gently off the nest, and let her see that there is plenty of food, and one or more little bills gaping for it. Her maternal instinct will inform her what she ought to do in the case ; and, having once fed her young, she will continue to do so : the cock will most likely also follow her example. AVliile incubation is going on, take care that the room is kept quiet : even the violent shaking of a door may, it has been asserted, injure the young in the shell. When these are hatched, the male bird generally takes upon himself the responsi- bility of providing them with food, as if to give the hen a little rest after her heavy duties. Should you find, as is sometimes the case, that the young are insufficiently fed. administer a little food, prepared of cracker grated fine, and crushed rape, mixed and moistened, when wanted for use, with a little water, and yolk of egg. About four quills full of this is sufficient for each nestling at the time : the frequency of its administration must depend upon the quantity of food given by the old birds ; if you have to bring up the young altogether by hand, ten or twelve times a day will not be too often. The young Canaries are almost destitute of plumage until they are about twelve or fourteen days old, at which time the hen bird usually begins to prepare for a second brood, and has often built her nest and laid her eggs before the first are fully fledged. According to some authorities, Bechstein among them, the growth of the feathers is promoted by the immersion of the young birds in a bath of lukewarm water ; this renders them, however, extremely liable to get a chill : and it is best, if you observe any backwardness in the development of the plumage, to take an atomizer filled with warm water, and, standing at some dis- tance, let a gentle spray fall over mother and young. It has been found, that when a male Canary lias paired with two females, and one of them has died after laying, the other hen lids received the chicks into her nest, and sat and tended on them as if they had been her own, even repulsing the attentions of the cock, that she might be enabled to do so. After the thirteenth day the young birds can generally feed themselves, and when a month old may be taken from their parents altogether : they may then be placed in a good-sized store-cage, or in small separate cages, as Bechstein recom- mends, and fed with their ordinary food, with which a little soaked rape-seed has been mixed. Canaries may be mated up to the middle of May or the first of June, and, after they are once mated, will breed until September ; and some pairs breed every month in the year. If a pair are worked too hard, they will be of little value at the end of the season. A choice pair of birds ought not to rear over three broods in a season, and the limit might better be set at two broods. Those who enjoy breeding fancy-colored Mules should arrange to put the pairs together in May. As stated above, Goldfinch, Linnet, Bullfinch, and Siskin males may be mated with the female Canaries. To that list of names, some American native birds may be added, including the Goldfinch, or Yellow-bird, the Bobolink, the Nonpareil, and the Indigo-bird. Males of each of these mate during the month of May, and should be put in prime, fresh condition for use by the 15th of that mouth. Do not expect that all you have to do is comprised in the formal CANARIES. 51 introduction of Mr. Finch to Mrs. Canary, and, on the other hand, do not chape- ron the birds too closely. A pair of birds in good physical condition, an abundance of high feed — like eggs, etc. — to warm the blood, a temperature varying from G6° to 70°, and a quiet corner secure from the obtrusion of strangers, — these are essentials. The pair may not evince a disposition to mate for a week or ten days ; they will likely fight some ; but let them remain together, and, doubtless, in two to three weeks from the time of running them together, you will have the first evi- dence of their mating in the egg in the nest. Any of these young Mules should have the same food and care as young Canaries, — boiled egg and cracker-dust mixed, at first, and afterwards rape-seed, soaked so the hulls are soft, and millet- seed treated the same way. The Goldfinch-Canary Hybrid is bred usually for high color ; while the Linnet- Canary, Bullfinch-Canary, and Bobolink-Canary Hybrids are expected to be extra songsters. The Bullfinch-Canary Hybrid is somewhat thicker in form than a pure Canary, has handsome colors, and a song that partakes largely of the mellow notes of the Bullfinch. He is elegant in form, sprightly and graceful in movement, and pos- sesses many of the characteristics of the Bullfinch. The Bobolink-Canary Hybrid is the largest of all, and is less frequently seen than the others. Weeks of patient work are well expended if one can rear only one singer of this variety. This Hybrid is a large, handsome, finely formed bird ; and his song is one of the most delightful in the whole range of bird melody. The Linnet-Canary Hybrid is a grayish-green bird of ordinary Canary size, and has a sprightly, ver}7 sweet song : it is the Canary's song with all the harsh, choppy notes culled out, and each trill and turn seemingly cultivated to the highest degree. The Siskin-Canary Hybrid is an indifferent singer, but is vivacious, and, like the Siskin, quite a gymnast in the cage. The Nonpareil-Canary Hybrid, next to the white Goldfinch Mules, is the most showy of all the crosses. The beautiful violet head and the mealy-yellow body form rich contrasts with the glossy golden green and purple shades of the back and wings. Not all the Mules are elegantly marked, but the fine ones are so mag- nificent that they well repay all the care and patience necessary to obtain them. The Indigo-Canary Hybrid, when he has the Indigo's colors, is a beautiful bird : his song is a pleasing mixture of whistling and singing. A few insects, in addition to the seed, are very acceptable to him. In addition to the regular seeds, these Mules should have daily a few spiders, ants' eggs, or meal-worms : they are bred especially for the showy colors, and not much singing is expected from them ; but some of them are even better singers than the ordinary Canaries. In breeding Mules, it is the custom to run one male through the cages of three or four females ; but never allow the male to remain with the female up to the time of laying, for fear of the eggs being broken. As stated above, the Mules are handsome when bred from mealy or very light colored females. The lighter the female, the whiter the Mules are apt to be. All of the birds used for Hybrid-breeding can be found in the shops during the winter and spring months. The regular Canary-breeding cages are used. 52 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. THE INDOOR AVIARY. The indoor aviary should have u warm aspect, aud be well protected from draughts ; and if it is a conservatory, or similar glass erection, it must be well shaded from the strong sunlight, aud protected, as far as possible, from all extremes. The bird-keeper should remember, that, under a more pampered system, the birds will lead a more artificial existence, and be more liable to feel the injurious effects of external influences. The most important consideration of all is, to effect a thorough ventila- tion, with a complete exclusion of draughts ; for draughts cause the deaths of more Canaries than many people imagine. Too much attention cannot be paid to this, and our instructions on this point are most emphatic. Having selected a suitable room, proceed to furnish it by placing in it a number of "Christmas-trees," small firs of different sizes, which, if obtained at a nurseiy. can be moved in the autumn, and will, if carefully raised and well potted, live the year through, by which time they will be about done for. In selecting the trees, choose substantial plants with flat, spreading branches, and arrange them tastefully on such stands as can be extemporized for the purpose, singly or in clumps, filling up corners, arranging them, in fact, in any way and every way. in doing which there is scope for the exercise of much taste. Avoid, however, placing them so that any part of the room cannot be got at if desired ; for old birds as well as young are apt to flutter away into inaccessible corners, and make no effort to release themselves from positions not dangerous in themselves, but from which they seem to think escape hopeless. In addition to the trees or shrubs, a few fantastically shaped branches (from which all loose bark must be removed, so insects may have no breeding-place) may be arranged in rustic fashion ; and any old gnarled stumps or- roots may be utilized in a similar way. The branches are not intended for nesting-places, but only as perches. Nothing is more out of character in a room such as we are describing than long, straight perches ; but a substitute must be provided. Canaries are not always on the wing, but will not often visit the floor except to feed, or on other matters of business. The trees themselves are not suitable for perching on, unless they should have fairly substantial branches ; and, therefore, some comfortable resting-places must be provided. The birds will soon find these out for themselves ; and the object of using the branches we refer to is, that the whole may look as natural and attrac- tive as possible. If, in place of such an arrangement, one or more long perches be used, the result will be, that the birds will generally be seen sitting in a row, in not very picturesque fashion, on the topmost bar, to which the}7 will always immediately retreat when any one enters the room. To obviate this, all natural ledges, such as the tops of architraves over doors and windows, must be rendered untenable, and more tempting places offered. The birds will most certainly please themselves in their selection of resting-places ; and the thing is, to make their choice comfortable for them, and pleasing to our own taste. It takes a great man}T birds to fill a small room, and a place may appear tenantless while a score or two of birds are perched up aloft somewhere out of sight. Virgin cork, in various shapes, may also be used : but a strict watch must be kept for insects : and, upon their appearance, the pieces infested 54 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. should be immersed in boiling water for fully ten minutes. Should any of these smaller arrangements be taken up for nesting purposes, and be found to harbor insects, give them a touch of oil on the places affected. The danger of harboring- parasites is the only objection to the use of cork and similar material, though the risk is exceedingly small in a room where there is gootl ventilation. Ordinary nest- ing-boxes are out of place in a well-furnished aviaiy, but those cast in a rustic mould might be used. The birds select their own nesting-places in which to build, and not a little amusement will be derived from noticing the impossible corners some will fix on. The slightest projection will suffice for one, and he will spend a great amount of time and labor in constructing the nest under circumstances of self- imposed difficulty. Not unfrequently some place will be chosen on which it may seem almost impossible a nest could rest ; but you will find that the Canary is not a bad architect, and generally turns out to be the best judge of a site. Domestica- tion, however, has impaired this wonderful instinctive building faculty ; and it will be seen that some will make attempts which turn out perfectly futile, while others will commence to build on a foundation manifestly sandy, in which case it may be well to supply a nest-box if the bird has shown a determination to settle in that spot. Furnish a good supply of nesting material, such as fibrous roots, and long, fine, dry grass from the hedge-side, plenty of moss, and, if it can be had, the coarser kind of lichen ; also soft cow-hair, which can be had from any tan-yard ; or deer's hair, which is always kept in stock at the better class of bird-shops ; a supply of soft feathers will also be appreciated, as will also some rabbit-down. The hair and these latter materials are best packed in small nets, and suspended in positions where the bird can. get a pull at them : if allowed to lie about, the finer stuff will nearly all lie wasted. These are the materials which ought to be supplied ; but there are some which ought not to be admitted on any account, such as cotton, wool, or other long, tough stuff, which can become entangled in the feet. Wool becomes twisted around the feet in a most dangerous way ; and, as it cannot be so readily perceived in a room as in a small cage, a bird may suffer exceedingly, and even lose its toes, before the cause of the misfortune be discovered. To complete the furnishing, we might add a small rustic chair, placed in the most retired corner, in which the observer can sit quietly, and watch the busy world at work around him, to do which the only requirement really necessary is, that you do sit quietly, when it matters not if you have a nest within a foot of your elbow, or even built on the back of your chair, things will go on just as unconcernedly in your presence as in your absence. A few items, all important in their way, have to be included in our inventory. The floor should be strewed with clean sand, and a supply of old lime rubbish will be found conducive to the general health of the birds. In country-places, where they can easily be obtained, thin sods will be a great acquisition ; and almost every part of them will be turned to some good purpose. All work and no play does not suit a Canary any more than the youth in the legendary poem, who is reported to have been made very dull by the process ; and birds, like other animals, are fond of amusing themselves. Nothing entertains them more than giving them something of this kind to pick and pull to pieces, which they will do with many a resolute tug ; and it is this attention to little wants, CANARIES. 55 which may not, perhaps, be absolutely necessary, that goes to make up the sum of their happiness. In such an aviary a great variety of birds live in harmony, thrive and sing. AVith the Canaries may be included, either pairs or single birds, all the small African Finches, the Japanese Nuns, the Australian Paroquets, African Love-birds, Bull- finches, Goldfinches, Linnets, Siskins, Chaffinches, Cardinals, Nonpareils, Indigoes, Bobolinks, and almost any of the seed-eating birds not larger than the Cardinals, most of which will breed. CANARY TABLE. MALE SINGING-CANARIES. VOICE. BEAUTY. >> hi .» a> =1 ° *C ~ ^ C-| a o O >, 11 — X T-H PP il 2! •C 5 Is *j 0) C A cs « 5r.n J>00 M a H 55 = f Canipanini 10 8 7 6 0 5 5 4 4 0 3 3 3 3 10 8 6 4 4 3 3 3 3 5 4 2 2 1 10 8 7 ;") 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 10 9 7 6 fi 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 10 7 5 8 . 9 8 5 6 3 5 3 4 4 3 6 6 7 7 5 5 8 10 9 8 3 8 3 4 6 5 7 5 3 3 10 8 8 7 4 S \ St. Andreasberg <£ [ Harz Mountain f Cayenne-fed Norwich -== Yorkshire •fi, i London Fancy &a Gold-spangled Lizard .... Silver-spangled Lizard .... Manchester Coppy Belgian Scotch Fancy French American The above table is designed to contrast the merits of Canaries of the various breeds. While one breed exhibits a high standard as song-birds, another takes first rank by the beauty of the general appearance, which includes size, plumage, and shape. The table is not offered as an authority, but shows my experience with the varieties named. The highest point attained in any one division is quoted as ten, which, if given in the seven particulars, would make a total of seventy points ; and a bird obtain- ing seventy points would be considered perfection. It is impossible to attain perfection, in both divisions of the table, by any one variety of bird. In each class it may be observed, that the highest points recorded are made by birds specially bred for the particular point or points in question, excepting the American Canary. Each class is bred for a special object, and the number ten is placed against his best quality : while the breeders of separate classes may consider the table hardly a fair one, inasmuch as their own favorites suit their special tastes, and should, in their estimation, have the highest points ; yet they must honestly confess, that the table is made out in an unprejudiced manner : be- cause I, though a born Yankee, have justly marked the Canaries bred in America the lowest of all. THE BULLFINCH. 57 THE BULLFINCH. Tins bird is the favorite of the entire race of trained birds, and is beloved alike for his gentle manners and great accomplishments. Indeed, even when m his wild state, he appears more docile than his brothers of the forest. Volumes have been written about his proficiency in music, and his clever tricks when trained. He is known throughout the world of bird-lovers as the most delightful and most favored of petted birds. His appearance is striking, and the various pretty colors of his body and his well-rounded figure make him very attractive. Bullfinches vary greatly in size. The German Bullfinch, which is probably the best known, is about seven inches in length ; the beak is one-half inch in length, well rounded, black, thick, and short ; the feet are very slender and black ; the top of the head, the circle around the beak, the chin, and upper part of the throat, form a beautiful hood of shining, velvety black ; the upper part of the throat, shoulders, and back are a handsome shade of steel gray ; and the rump is white ; the breast and upper part of the belly vary from a beautiful crimson to a handsome shade of bright chestnut. All the colors darken as the bird grows older. The larger wing-feathers are a brilliant black, tipped with reddish gray ; and the centre feathers are ashen gray. The tail is forked, and blue black in color. This entire combination of colors is charmingly blended, and the whole coat shines with the lustre of silk. The body-feathers just below the wings have a fluffy or fringed look, which is a handsome addition to the bird's appearance. The Bullfinch is somewhat thick in proportion to his length ; and while the slender elegance is lack- ing in his shape which is so much admired in some birds, his chubby, cunning ap- pearance is such as to make him a favorite at once. The female Bullfinch is easily distinguished from the male, as she is smaller ; and there is, as well, a marked difference in the color. The breast and belly in the female are of a dun or dusky gray color, and the back is a darker shade of the same color. There are other rare varieties of the Bullfinch ; although I think the appearance •is due to cross-breeding, when in a wild state, with some other variety of bird, or from unnatural confinement, and improper feeding when in captivity. The Gray Bullfinch is grajnsh white throughout, with a few dark spots on the body or back. The Black Bullfinch varies in color from coal black to a dusky tinge throughout the body : the Black Bullfinches are usually females. This color, it is said, is due to hanging the bird in a dark place when young, or to feeding too much hemp- seed : although the first theory does not seem to be correct, from the fact that the trained Bullfinches are always brought up in darkened cages or boxes while going 58 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. through a course of training ; and they retain their natural colors. 1 incline to think the black is most probably a freak of nature, a phenomenon which may happen in any class of birds. The Mottled Bullfinch is a natural-colored bird with white spots throughout the body. The Hybrid, or Mule, Bullfinch is the result of mating the Bullfinch with some other seed-eating variety, usually the Canary or Goldfinch. The size of the Bullfinch varies greatly ; the largest size coming from the more northern portions of Europe, usually Sweden or Russia. The common or medium size, the well-known Bullfinch which is used for train- ing purposes, comes from Germany, and the central parts of the Continent. The smallest is the English Bullfinch, the best variety for breeding Hybrids. When wild, the Bullfinches feed on the seeds of trees and shrubs and grasses. They find no firm friends in the farmers, as their fondness for the buds on young- fruit-trees is great. When caught, the Bullfinch is at once contented in his cage, and will commence to eat as soon as food is offered. This makes him a great favorite for performing purposes, and for making a faithful pet. By a little de- privation in withholding his seed and water, and forcing him to take them from the hand, he will readily become as tame and playful as any pet dog could be. The following method is described as the lightning way of training a freshly caught or wild Bullfinch : Accustom him to the cage for a day or two, by feeding him as you would any caged bird : then catch him carefully, and fasten a narrow strip of cloth around his body and wings, so that he cannot beat himself against the cage. His food is then put into a small bag, to which a small bell should be attached, and his water poured into a vessel which has also a bell attached. It is better to let him eat for a day or two with the seed and water dishes in the cage, approaching, however, when he is observed eating. Then remove the dishes, and accustom him to spring to them in the hand whenever the bell is rung. Hunger will control him greatly, and he quickly learns to fly whenever he sees his master approaching with food. After feeding from the hand a few times, he should be carried around the room on the finger ; care being taken to retain a firm hold on the feet, so that he cannot escape. This course of training accustoms him to his trainer, and in a sur- prisingly short time he will fly at the word of command. He may be taught the trick of kissing by withholding his drinking-water from him for about half a day, and giving him saliva from the lips. Bullfinches, if caught when old, are greatly prized for their brilliant colors ; be- cause, to a certain extent, the colors are dimmed by confinement in cages, where the sunlight and air are, of necessity, some of the time excluded. They are very tender, loving birds, which is shown by their extraordinary at- tachment for their mates, both when at liberty and in confinement. Their attention and devotion to their masters or mistresses is such also as is shown by. no other variety of bird known. This does not wholly spring from the artificial training which they receive, but is a part of their natures. When in a wild state, they con- stantly fly in pairs ; and, if a pair is kept in captivity, they are seen constantly bill- ing and cooing in the same manner as a pair of turtle doves, and kissing one another with the frequency of a pair of long-parted lovers. THE BULLFINCH. 59 In a wild state they hatch twice a year ; and they may be lived in confinement as easily as a pair of Canaries, and require the same care and treatment when mated. The female Bullfinch, and a good breeding male Canary, will mate easily ; and, although the offspring are not very attractive in appearance, they are fine singers. The male Bullfinch, if mated with a female Goldfinch, produces beautifully colored birds ; but they are so rarely found, that it would pay a bird-breeder to devote atten- tion to this branch of breeding. If one wishes to obtain the proper Bullfinches for instruction, it is better to procure the home-made article; i.e., buy a male and female Bullfinch, and mate and breed them at home. When the young birds are hatched, remove them from the nest, and bring them up by hand, and follow the German instructor's method given farther along in this article. Both male and female have the same natural notes, which are a succession of soft, low call-notes, intermixed with harsher notes, which resemble the squeaks of an uuoiled door-hinge. For this reason the Bullfinch, if taken for training purposes, should be removed from the old birds at an early age ; so that he will acquire none of the harshness which is so apt to spoil his artificial training. The female Bullfinch is as capable of being taught a course of music as the male ; and, although she is rarely given a thorough education, it is by no means infrequent to see her industri- ously educating herself from her better-taught brother ; and, when this occurs, the self-made musician is a thorough scholar. The following is a description of the methods by which the trained Bullfinches are bought and taught. They are usually trained in Hesse, Germany : — The journey from Hanover, Germany, to Cassel, in summer, is delightful ; as the many European tourists who have enjoyed it can testify. From Cassel we go to Bebra, thence to Fulda : there we leave the cars for a jaunt of eight hours in a post-coach, so called, but which really is a hay-cart. With aching bones, and apparently paralyzed limbs, we try to alight, and succeed in tumbling to the ground ; this is Angersbach : near by are an unlimited number of dorfs, or very small villages ; chief among them are Lauterbach and Storndorf , distant from one another a walk of two and a half hours. The trip made in winter, as it must necessarily be when buying piping Bullfinches, is a severe one ; for the region is very desolate, the snow deep, and accommodations at the inns not exactly the same as at our New- York Windsor. The bill of fare at the inns has the first page covered with print, but the most exact translation reveals only the name of the house and its proprietor ; the second page informed us there were bread and beer and cheese ; the third page was some- what like the second, cheese and beer and bread ; the fourth page, ah ! here we shall find the names of refreshing viands ; but close inspection and a "Baedeker" stated beer and cheese and bread, — " bitter bread mit der Carryaway seeds in it." Would that the "Carryaway" were true. The meal proved to be a strong one, and the appetite was more than satisfied. A little Limburger cheese goes a great ways, if not farther. But let us turn to a more pleasing subject. The Bullfinch is taken from the nest in the early spring, when fourteen days old. and thoroughly tamed before being given his elementary lessons in whistling. By regularly feeding from the hand, he becomes very tame, and strongly attached to his master, whom he soon begins to regard as a substitute for his mother. When taken from the nest, he is allowed his liberty for two or three days in order to ac- 60 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. custom him to his new mode of life, and afterwards put in a small wicker cage, so commonly seen in the bird-shops. This cage is set into a box of dimensions just allowing its admission, and having a small swinging-door in front, which is kept closed, except during lesson-hours. A professional trainer's house has, as its chief furniture, probably fifty or seventy-five of these study-boxes, placed in rows around the wall, as far apart as the space will admit. As the houses are usually one room en-suite structures, the space separating the boxes is limited. When a trainer has two or more rooms, the number of airs taught accords with the number of rooms ; for only one air can be taught in a room, as the birds would get two songs mixed. But a bird having learned thoroughly one air is taken to another room, and taught a second piece. The Bullfinches vary in intelligence the same as persons ; some birds having sur- prising faculty for learning, while others are so mulish, or dull, that no amount of training will call forth even a single musical note : hence a trainer's success de- pends on securing intelligent birds. From twelve birds taken out of the nest, and put in training, should six prove intelligent enough to learn a tune, the trainer thinks himself fortunate. While some have the ability to learn three airs, others in the same room, under the same instruction, acquire but a portion of a single air. A trainer is quick to perceive the difference in his pupils ; and the most promising are selected, and thoroughly taught. The lessons are given five times each day, and at each lesson the air is whistled through from beginning to end : it is never whistled in parts. Some of the scholars commence by catching a portion at a time, and from constant repetition gradually acquire the entire air : the lessons cannot end here, but must be repeated day after day, even after the bird whistles the song perfectly, in order to thoroughly fix it in his memory. Some of the pupils appear to waste valuable time, and, like many wise men, are content to listen. These get their lessons as regularly as the most promising ones, but the only sign they give the trainer are the chirps of recogni- tion. After four or five months of untiring care, they delight the teacher by piping the air complete: these are held at the highest value, as they remain fast, i.e., never forget, and are the ones always sought after by the Bullfinch lover. The trainer commences the lesson before breakfast by opening the bird's stall, and bestowing a few pet names (the smartest birds being usually inflicted with a large number) , and in a slow, crooning tone repeating the name over and over : at the same time the trainer sways his head slowly from side to side until he hears the call of recognition. The swaying continues as long as the bird continues to pipe : then the box is closed, and the trainer passes to the next bird, and so on until each one has received his lesson. The trainers, or professional whistlers, are shoemakers, tailors, or schoolmas- ters : the latter always produce the best-trained birds ; their education, however slight, fitting them exactly for the task. I can safely say that the Bullfinch pupil always gets more thorough care and severer lessons than the boy pupil ; for the schoolmaster's labor with the birds is more remunerative and satisfactory, as he has no slow-paying, bad-tempered parents to satisfy, because these scholars have not been trained up properly. The music formerly taught was of the old style of German hymns, and slow- THE BULLFINCH. 61 time popular songs ; operas and waltzes being unknown in the region. The birds were taken to London by enterprising dealers, and, as soon as their beautiful quali- ties became known, were in great demand : the music, no matter how slow or unin- teresting, whenever rendered by a Bullfinch, was very enjoyable. But constant repetition in music tires ; and, as the birds became better known, sprightly English melodies were whistled to the buyers, who, on returning to Germany, whistled them to the trainers for the birds to learn. If the buyer did not mix his music with too much beer, he could render it tolerably well ; and the bird taught these sprightly songs, when sent to the London market, would have a double value. The buyer of the trained Bullfinches is usually a German, who buys for large American importers. His lot is by no means a happy one, as the Bullfinch teacher has about as much patience in holding out for a great price as he has in teaching ; and, since the birds must be bought for the Christmas market, the buyer's trip into this bleak and desolate country is made in dead of winter. Here is deep snow and piercing winds, and temperature that quickly freezes ears and fingers, and, worst of all, the three meals of " Limburger." ^Eneas' agonies in founding "Troy" seem, in comparison, sweet pleasures. The buyer is usually a jolly fellow despite all he undergoes, and drinks beer, and flirts with the untutored maidens, in a most business-like manner. Generally well known in the district, he is a most welcome guest ; he indulges in no prelimina- ries on arrival, but is at once conducted to the nearest trainer's house : and " Hann- schen " —little "Hans" —is coaxed to pipe, but, like our " smart " baby, is stupidity itself, and will not perform even half rate. As the buyer has no time to lose, and plenty of deep-snow pedestrianism in view, his patience quickly ebbs ; and the trainer resorts to all sorts of devices to detain him, and make the bird pipe. The daily swaying to which the bird is so well accustomed produces no effect, pet names are lavished all to no purpose, tempers are lost on both sides, and little Hannschen is cursed and recursed. As a last resort the box is closed, and we re- treat outside the door : then the little rascal is evidently delighted with the fight and his victory. Standing outside, the trainer takes two large, rusty keys, or simi- lar articles, and rubs them together, in order to produce a low, harsh sound ; Hann- schen, thinking himself alone, always responds in a low, sweet voice, piping his full song with spirit and fine expression. The price for the first bird is carefully considered, as this regulates the market- price for the dorf. After completing the bargain at the first house, Hannschen is quickly transferred to a wicker cage, and closely covered, to protect him from the biting wind. The buyer is then escorted by the owner of this house to a neighbor's : it may be four rods, or perhaps two miles, distant. The two German trainers converse in a dialect peculiar to that country, so as not to be understood by the buyer, himself a German, who vainly tries to get the thread of the conversation ; but the only words intelligible to him are, "whistling" and " Bullfinch." When trainer number two is posted on the prices, a sale is made ; the invariable rule being, to obtain the price which the first bird commanded. When a bird is found extra fine, a higher price is demanded and given. A trainer's word should be carefully weighed and found correct before being taken for literal truth. The character of the " Father of his Country" may exert in America a great and good influence; but in Germany they ask, " Who vas Shorge Vashington ? " 62 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. After leaving each house, your train of followers is increased by one : for, when a bird is bought, the former owner constitutes himself one of the guard of honor : and you are thus escorted from house to house. The district is sparsely settled ; and in early winter few birds are far enough advanced in training to pipe the air without a break, therefore special care has to be exercised in selecting only those most thoroughly taught. A great many miles have to be walked, and the buyer has per- formed a hard day's work if he finishes in the evening with ten birds. The clay which the buyer selects for his coming is celebrated as a holiday ; and the men interested in the training forego all work, and don their Sunday clothes, and give themselves up to the pleasure of a trip from dorf to dorf, comparing notes, and exchanging their views on the different birds and trainers, making it a sort of annual market-day. The taverns are not forgotten on the route ; and, by the time work is completed, the majority of the party feel quite happy, and are alto- gether funny. At the completion of his day's work, the buyer always puts up at the nearest Wirtclischaft. This, in the evening, is the rendezvous for all the natives. All shapes and sizes are represented, with costumes antique but not unique ; the " abbreviated " jacket and " high- water " pantaloons predominate ; caps with abbreviated peaks, and some without any, form a diminutive head-gear, which, in some cases, seem lost amid the long and bushy unkempt locks. The guests' room at these wayside inns is by no means elaborately furnished : a few very plain board benches and tables, and a high sideboard in a corner for bottles and glasses, and the regulation porcelain stove, complete the list. The walls are devoid of decora- tions. After finishing the lunch, the trainers compete for the bottle of whiskey which the inn-keeper has offered. Our sketch of the Whistling Match is made just as the last competitor has " struck an attitude : " he is not quite so fully under the influence of the ardent as is the party in the background, who feels as if the wall must be propped up. This tailor and famous trainer last year taught forty Bull- finches to pipe " Polly Perkins." He is minus two front teeth ; so, when he arose to compete, the gentleman on the right ridiculed the idea of his trying for the prize : but, placing two fingers where the teeth were missing, he whistled with such accu- racy and sweetness and smoothness, that all agreed he was easily first. So he had the pleasure of calling the bottle his, and of treating the rest. Great attention is now paid to the popular English airs ; and, as the attention of the American bird-lovers has been strongly attracted toward the trained Bullfinches, American airs are becoming popular with the Bullfinch trainers. The " Star- Spangled Banner" and "Yankee Doodle" have been taught with great success. Before many years the inhabitants of the Bullfinch district expect to have a railroad put through ; and by that time we may expect to have "Pinafore." As it is now, the bird-importers, if given the sheet-music before the regular training season com- mences, will furnish a bird trained to order. It is much better to have a trained bird to pipe one or two long songs thoroughly than to have his number credited with three airs, when perhaps he can pipe at most only parts of each. A Bullfinch which pipes three perfect songs is, indeed, a rarity, and seldom obtained. Birds which pipe two good songs thoroughly are highly prized ; and, when they remain through the season perfect in the songs which they have been taught, they are not apt to forget them through a life of years. Of a 5 I 64 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. course, it is much better to have a bird pipe a variety of songs than to pipe one single air ; but a bird which pipes a single long air, seemingly puts his whole energy to the task. In music, as in any thing else, constant repetition generally tires : but one never tires of Bullfinch music, though it is a repetition of the same old strains ; for the soothing sweetness and pathos of the voice, and exquisite rendering, seem to make one forget that he has ever before heard the piece. On the contrary, no matter how often the bird pipes, if he is a good performer he always gets an encore. The whistling of the trainers of these birds is wonderfully sweet, and full of expression, and no more to be compared with the attempts of the amateur street- whistler than the voice of an operatic star can be compared with the buzz-saw music of the street-solicitor of alms. Long and continued repetition has worked this effect, and its full charm is rendered complete by the pupil's sweet voice. Some Bullfinches pipe sweeter than others : one bird will pipe through his song in a manner which makes the music appear dreamy and far off, meanwhile inter- mingling the most beautiful trills, giving his song most delightful and correct expres- sions. Another will pipe his air through in a manly, business-like manner, shake and nod his head as if asking, How do you like it ? Want any more ? He will perform the most frivolous love-ditty, or a piece of the most classic music, carefully, sweetly, and in exact tune ; always performing his task satisfactorily. An encore demanded by his master is never disregarded. He seems to feel as much delight in giving it as it causes those who listen to him, probably not forgetting at the same time the usual reward of hemp-seed. To hear a number in a bird-shop pipe at the same time is laughable : each one thinks his own particular song the best, and pipes it with an air of determination ; seeming to think, that, if he took time to listen to his next-door neighbor, he would be tempted to learn that song in addition to his own. The abstracted expression of a visitor on entering a bird-store, and carelessly looking about, hearing for the first time a Bullfinch perform his pathetic music, is amusing in the extreme. Although he may be standing directly in front of the per- former, the music appears to come from a distance. Not imagining for a moment that a bird is capable of such an accomplishment, he will suspiciously eye the boy in the vicinity, and peer into all possible hiding-places, looking as amused and puzzled as though some good joke were being played on him. A trained Bullfinch which had been hung in a child's chamber on Christmas morning, as a Santa Clans gift, piped his beautiful melody in such a manner as to make the little innocent believe she once more slept, and was soaring in the land of dreams, or listening to real angels' songs. The trained bird which was concealed in a beautiful bouquet, and suspended as an ornament at a celebrated dinner-party, made a decided hit, and was the sensa- tion of the evening. Many cunning anecdotes might be related of the effects pro- duced by the music rendered by these birds. The name of the author of the ditty " Polly Perkins " has been made immortal by the efforts of the whistling tailor and a few of his colleagues, who, in whistling the songs to their Bullfinches, thereby circulated the song throughout the world. A sharp piece of deception was played by a trainer of one of the Polly Perkins class on an unsuspecting German friend, by translating the name of the song, THE BULLFINCH. 65 "Polonius Perkins." A new air commands a higher price ; and while, to be sure, the music of Polly Perkins, by any other name would sound as sweet, it would not sound for as much money. It is better to train a Bullfinch by a soft, flute-like, natural whistle ; as the tone as then rendered by the bird is much sweeter. The flute is a favorite instrument used in teaching, but a bird-organ is sometimes called into use : the natural whistling is best ; and, although the organ is a very good instru- ment to repeat the melody to the bird so that he may not forget it, I would not especially recommend it for use in teaching. In order to thoroughly train the Bullfinch, whistle in exact time, and always in the same key, the air which you intend he sfiould learn. Repeat the whole of it at regular intervals during the day ; and the bird will, as a rule, soon commence to practise it, the first attempts being very crude : a great amount of patience must be exercised in this branch of training ; and, in order to become a perfect trainer, one must never lose patience at the obstinacy of his pupil. A Bullfinch, when thor- oughly trained at home, will never forget his lessons, as those sometimes do who go through the bustle and disadvantages of travelling a long distance : instances are known where Bullfinches, which have lived in the same house where they have been trained, have remained in perfect song through life, which lasts from ten to twelve years under proper care. The German trained Bullfinch, during the training period, is fed only on plain German summer rape-seed. His life, when caged in the small cages used for train- ing, is of a sedentary nature ; and, as a consequence, he is apt to grow fat and lazy: therefore rich food of any kind is withheld. When transferred into a larger cage, such as should be used for him when thoroughly trained, after he no longer requires daily instruction, the food should be varied; although then care should be taken that the food be not too rich. The great trouble with all trained Bullfinches, when petted and well trained, is, the consuming of too many dainties, which are given him for showing his accom- plishments. The owner may thoroughly understand the care and treatment of the bird, but good-natured friends and over-kind servants usually abound in the houses where trained Bullfinches are kept ; and, as a result, the bird is slyly rewarded with those dainties which he loves so well, but which, for his own welfare, should not be given him. It is from this cause that the principal diseases which attack him arise. The Bullfinch's main daily food should be the best quality of fresh German summer rape-seed, varied about three times each week by the addition of about one-half dozen grains of hemp-seed at a time. A piece of sweet apple hung between the bars of the cage about twice a week is a relish for him. The apple should not be allowed to stand longer than a day, as it is apt to grow stale. A piece of lettuce, water-cress, or sweet berries of any kind, may be given at inter- vals ; but they must be fresh when given, and taken away before they grow sour or stale : frequently diseases of the digestive organs arise from the use of stale green stuff. When the rape-seed cannot be procured fresh, it should be thoroughly soaked, and squeezed dry : in this case the seed-cups must be daily washed and thoroughly dried. The water must be given fresh daily ; and about twice each week the cups should be thoroughly cleaned, so that any collection of stale green food or mucus 66 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. will be rinsed out, and the possible poisonous effects guarded against. A bath may be given daily, or less frequently when desirable. All birds, when reared from the nest by hand, are necessarily fed on food which is unnatural to them in the wild state ; and man}7 writers on the subject claim that this is a means by which their lives are shortened. I do not think this is so in the case of this particular bird. As mentioned above, delicacies must not be given too freely. A cage ten or twelve inches long, with the perches so arranged that the bird can easily hop from one to the other, — hopping is his usual mode of locomotion, — is the proper size. A plentiful supply of dry, coarse gravel, sprinkled daily on the bottom of the cage ; good, plain, wholesome food ; and the bird hung in a warm, dry place, free from any draughts of air, — and you have the preventives of the usual diseases which attack him. During the moulting season a little extra care should be given the trained Bullfinch. At this period all song-birds, as a rule, partly or wholly lose their songs ; and the rule applies to the cultivated voice as well as the natural one. The better way to moult the Bullfinch, so that he will lose none of his accomplishments by forgetting what has been taught him; is, to moult him in a darkened place, and feed on nourishing food. Cover the cage with a black cloth, and hang it in a place where fresh air will reach the bird : he should daily receive his lessons in the same manner as originally given him. He may only respond by his note of recognition : but, nevertheless, the lesson constantly repeated will be borne in mind ; and, as soon as his new feathers spring out, he will commence to gladden his teacher's heart by piping bars of the air in which he was formerly so proficient. As soon as he has finished his moult, and regained his full strength, his vocal powers return ; and his rendering is as perfect as in his early days. The moult, or season in which Bullfinches remain out of song, lasts from the beginning of July until the latter part of August. During this period some Bullfinches pipe through their entire song or songs, others only parts of the song. The bird should be incited to pipe, for then the chances of perfect restoration of the vocal powers and the retaining of the song are greatly increased ; but, when the lessons are faithfully given him, there is no danger of a loss of song. During the moulting period the bird's strength should be kept up by means of stimulating food. Feed on the soaked rape-seed squeezed dry, a few grains of hemp-seed every other day, and daily a portion of green food, which should be changed and kept fresh while he is feeding from it. A little iron tonic, or a drop or two of sherry wine, put into his drinking-water about once a week, will prove very strengthening, and keep the bird from drooping. After he has safely passed through his moult, he may be put on his regular diet, and kept in health the entire year. The diseases which attack the Bullfinch are diarrhoea, constipation, epilepsy, asthma, or lung troubles, surfeit, melancholy, and corpulency. Diarrhoea is caused by overfeeding of green food, by filthy drinking-water, or unwholesome rape-seed. This, like the appearance of all other diseases to which the Bullfinch is subject, is noticed by the cessation of the song, and the drooping, wearied look of the bird. The excrement will be of a watery, whitish appearance. THE BULLFINCH. 67 His food should be of the best rape-seed soaked, and squeezed dry ; and a strip of raw, fat pork, plentifully sprinkled with cayenne pepper, should be hung in the cage. His drinking-vessel must be thoroughly cleaned, and replenished twice each day with fresh drinking-water. During the run of the disease, green foods and fruits must be withheld from him. A little crushed hemp may be given daily, to assist in restoring his weakened constitution. He should be hung in a warm, sunny place : and the gravel should be frequently renewed. For medicine, at first give him a few drops of castor-oil, which will thoroughly remove from his system any traces of poisonous vegetable matter. Add daily to his drinking-water a few drops of paregoric, or in severe cases laudanum : continue the treatment until a change is noticed in the appearance of the bird. A small cup of boiled milk, in which a portion of light biscuit or stale bread has been soaked, may be placed in his cage, and will act as a mild stimulant. After the run of the disease, the hemp-seed may be increased to a daily ration until he is perfectly restored. When it is not desirable to use hemp-seed, the egg-and-cracker mixture, as given the Canaries, is very beneficial. Constipation is caused by unwholesome diet. The bird may be easily relieved by administering a few drops of castor-oil for a few days, and feeding daily on fresh green food or sweet apple. Do not feed any seeds but the fresh rape during the continuance of the disease. Epilepsy, or Fits, is caused by frightening the bird in endeavoring to roughly catch him out of the cage ; or he may be easily frightened by the appearance of some intruder in the shape of a cat or other formidable animal. Or the disease may come from overfeeding of dainties in the sugar or candy line. The Bullfinch is a very sensitive bird ; and, although used to caresses and handling, he must never be handled in a rough manner, especially by persons to whom he is not accustomed. When epilepsy occurs, — which may be told by his painful struggles and convul- sions in the bottom of the cage, — he should be at once removed to the fresh air, and carefully sprinkled with cold water. As soon as he revives, hang the cage in a quiet place : it would, perhaps, be advisable to cover it over for a few days. Feed on wholesome, fresh food. When the disease resolves itself into a chronic disorder, it is exceedingly difficult to cure ; and severe cases have been helped by clipping one claw close enough to draw blood. Overfeeding of dainties will result iu this painful disease ; and, when such has caused it, the bird's diet must be at once changed, and only the plainest of food used. Asthma or Lung Troubles result from the usual causes, — hanging the bird in draughts of air, or an abrupt change of temperature. It is first noticed by the hard breathing and convulsive gasps. The little patient should be at once removed to a warm place, and a few drops of glycerine and a tiny piece of rock-candy should be added to his drinking-water. The food should be of the most generous nature during the run of this complaint. If not attended to, it will gradually develop into consumption, — a disease which cannot be cured in Bullfinches. Surfeit is caused by rich food, and shows itself by the appearance of a yellow ulcer or ulcers on the head. A change to plain, wholesome food is at once recom- mended. Add daily a little iron tonic to the drinking-water. The ulcer should be opened with a sharp knife or needle, and the puncture should be daily bathed with 68 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. a solution of sugar of lead and water : glycerine or cold cream is also recom- mended. Melancholy, or Decline, is a gradual wasting away of the bird. If taken in the hand, and the feathers blown from the body, he will have the appearance of a mere skeleton. He will sit for hours on the perch, and be drowsy ; appearing as though he had lost all his friends, and didn't want any more. This complaint usually makes its appearance in the mating season, May. The bird needs hearty, stimu- lating food, and a great deal of petting. These will work greater cures than any medicine. Feed liberally on hemp-seeds or the egg mixture, and add tonic to his water. Give him more than his daily allowance of caresses, and he will come around in due season. When these fail to satisfy him, it would probably be well to pro- cure a mate, and hang her within calling distance for a short period. Corpulency is the result of the fattening powers of hemp-seeds, too frequently given by over-kind friends to a willing victim. The bird thus overfed will in the course of time be a literal ball of butter. He is then so handsome and lazy that he is utterly unfit for use when regarded from a vocal stand-point. If the bird does not sing, and appears lively and well, you should examine him. Blow the feathers from the body, and a clear white mass of flesh will be seen to cover the entire front of it. He should be put through a thorough course of training and dieting in order to reduce him to his proper weight. It would be better to allow him the freedom of the room for a few hours daily, so that he may fly, and exercise himself. The hemp-seeds and other fattening foods should be gradually withdrawn, and replaced by plain, soaked rape, with boiled milk and cracker at rare intervals. The iron tonic may be also added to" his water. It takes considerable time, and requires much fortitude on the part of the fond owner, to reduce the diet of the favorite, to say nothing of the appeals of the favorite himself for his restoration of privileges. But these things must be done if health is to be restored : otherwise the bird will be utterly unfit for any thing except, perhaps, to hand him down to the cook, to be served up as a piper on toast. Hoarseness often results from change of climate, or from catching a slight cold. It may be easily cured by adding a small lump of rock-candy and a few drops of glycerine to the drinking-water. The Claws and Beak often need clipping, and may be attended to in the same manner as those of the Canary. The above are all the diseases to which the Bullfinch is subject ; and it perhaps is unnecessary to repeat that plain food and water, and a little necessary attention, are all that is requisite to prevent the appearance of most of them. Below may be found the titles and some of the music which Hannschen is usually proficient in : there are, of course, many more which are regularly taught ; and the sheet-music may be found at the regular bird-shops. Whether it be the lively love-ditties or the inspiring American airs, he will be found at home in the rendering of either. A complete change of nationality takes place when he has been taught the foreign airs ; and the naturalized American Bullfinch will betray his knowledge of his new-found sphere by the Yankee sparkle of his eye, and the desire to lead you to believe that he is capable of reading the music at sight. THE BULLFINCH. 69 ENGLISH SONGS. 1. Blue Bells of Scotland. 2. Champagne Charlie. 3. Daughter of the Regiment. 4. God save the Queen. ~>. Polly Perkins. 6. Robin Adair. 7. Star-spangled Banner. 8. The Chimney-sweep. 9. The Last Rose of Summer. 10. The Mouse- trap Man. 11. The Rat-catcher's Daughter. 12. Within a Mile of Edmboro'. 13. Yankee Doodle. TITLES OF THE GERMAN MELODIES, AND THEIR TRANSLATIONS INTO ENGLISH. 1. Acli Mddchen erhore mich bald. Listen to me, sweetheart. 2. Ach wie sclion bist du. How fair thou art. 3. Blau bltiht ein Blilmlein. Blue blossoms a flower. 4. Bei Wagram auf den Theresienfeld. At Wagram on the Theresieufeld. (Battle Song.) o. Das du mein Schdtzchen bist? Will you my sweetheart be ? 6. Der alter Reiter und sein Mantel. The old warrior and his cloak. 7. Der Pabst lebt herrlich in die Welt. The Pope leads a merry life. 8. Die Muhle im Thai The mill in the valley. 9. Die Waclit am Rliein. The watch on the Rhine. 10. Du bist verricht mein Kind. March onward fearlessly. (March: Opera " Fatinitza.") 11. Du bist wie eine Blume. Thou art so like a flower. 12. Du, du liegst mir im Herzen. Thou art ever in my heart. 13. Ein Herz das sich mit Sorgen qualt. My heart is troubled with sorrow. 14. Ein Strduschen am Hut. A flower for my hat. 15. Friscli auf zum frbhliclien Jagen. From the merry chase. (Hunting Song.) CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 16. Hinaus in die Feme. Away to the woods. (Hunting Song.) 17. Ich u-eiss nicht was soil es bedei'tcn. I do not know the reason why. (Song of Fairyland.) 18. Ja lustig bin ich das tst u'alir. Yes. indeed, I am happy. 19. Jetzt ist Zeit und Stunde. Now is the time and hour. 20. /iow' herein in die beste Stube. Come in and be merry. 21. Mildel schau mir m's Gesiclit. Look me in the eye, maiden. 22. Maler, maV mir mem Liebschen. Painter, picture my sweetheart. 23. Mit dem Pfeil und Bogen. With bow and arrow. (Hunter's Song.) 24. Morgen muss ich fort von hier. To-morrow I must away from here. 25. 0 bleib bei mir! Oh, stay with me ! 26. 0 dn lieber Aiigustin ! Augustine. 27. Verlegenheit. Embarrassment. 28. Was kann schoner sein, u-as kann edler sein. What can prettier be, what can nobler be ? 29. Wein, Weibe, und Gesang. Wine, women, and song. 30. Wenn die Schwalben heimwdrts fliegen. When the swallows homeward fly. 31. Wenn ich em Vogelein tear. I wish I were a tiny bird. 32. Wir winden dir den Jungfernkranz. We bind for thee a bridal wreath. 33. Z' Lauterbach hab' ich mein Striimpf verloren. I lost my stocking while going to Lauterbach. 34. Der Wagen des Herren Patrick Duffie. Paddy Duffy's cart. TITLES OF TWO SONGS COMBINED, PIPED BY ONE BIRD. j f Blau bluht ein Bhimlein. 1 Polly Perkins. 9 f Der Pabst lebt herrlich in die Welt. } ( O du lieber Augustin ! 3 f Star-spangled Banner. ( Ach wie schon bist du. ^ f Die Wacht am Rhein. ( Hinaus in die Feme. THE BULLFINCH. 71 j Wir wii { The Me winden dir den Jungfernkranz. Mouse-trap Man. f Der Pabst lebt herrlich in die Welt. 6. (. God save the Queen. r. ( Yankee Doodle. ( Ach Madchen erhore mich bald. „ f Du bist wie eine Blume. ( Blue bells of Scotland. Ich weiss nieht was soil es bedeuten. Mit dein Pfeil und Bogen. .. , ( Das du mein schatzcheii bist. ( Jetzt ist Zeit und Stunde. 1 1 f Du bist verricht mein Kind. ( Bei Wagram auf den Theresienfeld. 12 f Frisch auf zum frohlichen Jageu. 1 Em Herz das sich mit Sorgen qualt. ~n f Z' Lauterbach habe ich mein Strumpf verloren. ( Verlegenheit. P^in Strauschen am Hut. 1 . The Chimney-sweep. .. • . f Daughter of the Regiment. ( Du, du liegst mir im Herzen. lfi ( Within a mile of Edinboro'. ( Kom' herein in die beste Stube. 1 _ | Vergiss mein nicht. ( The Rat-catcher's Daughter. TITLES OF THREE SONGS COMBINED, PIPED BY ONE BIRD. f Blau bliiht ein Bliimlein. 1. -j Frisch auf zum frohlichen Jagen. (Walz. f Der Pabst lebt herrlich in die Welt. 2. -< Hinaus in die Feme. (.O du lieber Augustin ! f Ein Herz das sich mit Sorgen qualt. 3. < Jungfernkranz. (. Galop. r Die Wacht am Rhein. 4. < Vergiss mein nicht. (.Polly Perkins. < Was soil es bedeuten. 5. -j Mit dem Pfeil und Bogen. ( Polka. rDu bist verricht meiu Kind. 6. ] Die Miihle im Thai. C Verlegenheit. BULLFINCH MELODIES. DU BIST WIE EINE BLUME. (TJiou art so like a Mower.} >-4- —L.?- X- 1. Du bist wie ei - ne Blu 1. Tliou art so like a flow me, so hold und schon uud er ; so pure and fair tliou -7- =g — 3 -0. — — '?i 1 • '15. p ==5= rein ; art : ich schau dich an und Well And while I look up - on muth schleicht thee, a 2=5=^ ==1= ?_2 ; ^ * . . * ~~j ~i f H' ~l * i ' ~0~L . __ " ; ~~\ >~ ~ mir in's Herz hia - ein, sad - ness tills my heart, ich scliau dich an un und Weh - muth YPS, when I look up - on thee, a !=±=&=fl nzt^Etzfzzfl mir ins Herz sad - ness lilis hin - ein, my heart, in's it Herz hin - ein. fills my heart. THE BLUE BELLS OF SCOTLAND. V — y Oh! where and oh where is your High -land Lad- die gone, Oh! .44. . ^_ ^ £ f ^ ^ ^ « *f "i ^ ^ ' ~~^ • ~ _ ~ 3l?5BE5EE»ESi^zifc^ii~":?Eii£;:* H*ri — 0~0~f "-^zigzzrg: # J< 3- where and oh where is your High - land Lad - die gone ? He's -0—0 1—*— * 0—0 «-=-*- BJ* I*r~ _w ~~^ * — — ~^i*~~l — I ZZK — » ^^f- - y gone to fight the French, for King George up-on the throne, And it's -0 » r—r-* — «-^-r-i — i — »-' — , — r — i — ^~!~^s*f~ziii: Oil ! in my heart A * 4 wish him safe at home. HOW CAN I LEAVE THEE? -0 0- N 1. How can I leave thee? I can- not bear to part, For thou hast t — - — ,- , — * — , — r ^ - 93-f — r-«w- - " ~ v v N js__ _ 1 ___> S_ my whole heart, Dar - ling, be-lieve! Thou hast this soul of mine, *r __ — — 9 — _j — _ — . -r — ^~^~r~^ • — r* — ~ * m—rm * m — -\b~ 0 9-0— I — * ]S0 :^'= i Tis al - to - geth - er thine, None oth - er can I love.^ But thee a- lone. feE^'=N BULLFINCH MELODIES. EMBARRASSMENT. (Verlegerikett.) _ ___ __ a-j^ . . _ PP Ich mdcli - te ihr wohlet -was sa - gen \ni »4 -^^/V-^rtiS.— — _-d> DER SCHUTZ. ^=^-: |Ejrrz=l— ?=; Bo - gen, dttrch Ge - birg und Thai, With his bow and ar - row, O - ver mount and vale, 2d iirne. kommt der Schutz ge - zo - gen fruh am mor - gen-strahl. Proud - ly steps the ar - cher, Chanting to the gale SE ~^E^^=Eij^E^i^EF|^=E~^EE=E ^E^ i 1 g~~j «— -r-jg-* »r . — t' —9 — ^—S—g— !:->-.- g— -*•-*--*•-*•'•-»•• -*• La-la La la fa, la-la- la, la -la - la, , la, la la la, la la la. La-la - la, la - la - la - la - la!. La la la, la la la la la.. BULLFINCH MELODIES. BUY A BROOM. -83- ^\-V» £*=^ri=j— i— T — i T i— N 5=fcijzfif t*-F*— -:p— s=£ -i^t =a ^— | —g—— j>— !_«_. j^^*— —J-— __!___,_ 1. FromDeutschland I come with my light wa^T^T ^^T^TT brush a - way in - sects that some-times an - noy you,' You'll i i i j — * - £=L_ _J - •__ f_± :zdS=dEzi— —=•=•— * * * *~ l=fe|E-^=tEfEii=P=2== E3 ~ -*-.— =— ===3 * — » — f — ' — * "*••*• -arf- ~ m m CJ^S ^ 4 A^ZHTIl!. A — - — i =3=±:z=lzz Elj^lE^ | , i vex - a - tious in - ^B=d — I--L -0- -ff ! — ==|:-q: ^='=-=5Ebi: -» ^~ va - rian a Broom, tru - ders a - way. Buy a Broom, Buy a Broom, i Buy a Buy a rtzf^E^EBEz =3?Jrr=i~j ;- r^=«--j=^JfL_ I \ =l=i^= y sy|=:j=z ^ * ff — • fegEEES^EE|3==== =£+= -=_ •»• --J9- 76 BUY A BROOM. Concluded. ===^z*d ==z=*-iz SE=z^ =!«=:=?= l=*= Broom, Oh buy of the wan cV ring Ba - va - rian a Broom. -*• -sr d'g ZZ22 } 1_« * ^ I_0 ^ A_I ) , ^_ ifi =?•-* | —ft- :=!= :=!= — 1= — fc =*= — *— Efe — ^ 33 THE MOUSE-TRAP MAN. Mouse - - traps, mouse-traps." he'd cry, ' Mouse - =»=: BES =fc: s-tf— I zr^— :• — f — T~L~* i—\—z?-- — I— i~ — i — tzz: — _L— t- - traps tine mouse-traps who'll buy? Strong, as a house, just — 3 n£I=i^3: E3 :=j U±=5 1 ^_q ^ m 1 j S 1 r I have one and try. Mouse-traps a pen - ny, a pen - ny, who'll buy ? ' THE BRIDAL WREATH. (WIR WINDEN DIR DEN JUNGFERNKRANZ.) CHORUS FROM "DER FREISCHUTZ." C. M. VON WEBER. Allegretto. The bri - dal wreath for thee we twine, With silk - en thread of CHORUS. £=*: store of hope and pleas - ure ! Bri - dal gar - land, Silk - en thread of a - zure, flowers white,and leaves of green; 1^^ 3=itl= CCli ^S~ ^^w 0 -f « -^ — i — II may thy life be pleasure. •••"^ *iM^«B^ "7-1-4-^^= =n y — JJ1 L-*-*-^tFf^-q ad 1 - =5EI g^ 1 \ C C r-fi-8 TI tt?— — — — ^ g • —0-0—9 »-^ ^ k »s • J 1 m ' II ^**"( 1 • F THE OLD WARRIOR TO HIS CLOAK. (DER ALTE REITER UND SEIN MANTEL.) VOLKSLIED OF THE 18TH CENTURY. ""E i ^ - 1 m 1 i I • • ~~~^ 1 /L\i (* m m m i m ' • 1* ^ icTY * ' J r i U J p i r r p i VM' • I • 011 G KJ o * ^ "•• ^*. For thir - ty years, my trus - ty friend, Thou faith - f ul hast been Schier drei - sig Jak - re bist au alt, Hast man - chen Sturm er - n h i i i 1 i ' K ^^ ^^ Etl! i m 1 i 1 9 A 9 J yfk' /* J J J m, J , CTV E ii j n *l : ssz • fl * i • • • * J * t m «J 900 9 0 9 s^f ' ,m. r » \~ r\- hi • « 1 ; m m if % m T-l ZP f ' " ^l ^* f • " i f i ^ ^ U ^ i g y f f J ' 1 1 1— p 1 l—jl 1 1 ii$~ — ^~ rf"> IT — f — f — r-M"- 9— ^s— L_0 . — P — > ^— 1 SE -t— ^— *J- o i^^" found, My gtiar - dian from th lebt. Hast mich wie ein Bru - det ^t* ^— f?? — t-t^tS e storm's rude blast, And •be - scM - tzet, und ^rJ". J J H^J^ m— 3-. b£=U-J=i-^4 zazi — • — S ! — » — -,-tpfc J=i_3 g^=4^* - Lff ^ — • — •- l?fe^-^P r"% J JiJ— i T3 F^ — • . • * ^vh- -4 rr — H y — f-U-fej— ^=^- * J J . * '-- » r- yr-E-*--*' *~i£ when the can - non shot flew fast, We brave-ly held our ground. wenndie Ka-no - nenge- bli - tzet wir bei -dehab'nnie -malsge-bebt. bj^-g— • \» -* u — -& ••- ^— - — j ^~h _ £ \ ? • * ^^ ^ /?v \J . [/ ~ 0_ "^ i i xT p P p !_ P p "^ p 0- • — d J— ^9^ ^^1 ^ 1^ i^" —0— • — J 0 gen - tie - man's fam' - ly near Pad - ding - ton thought that she lov'd me, but found I was thought she'd have lov'd me, I'd have laid down to Green, wrong, die. 55 f \ ^ t i j i , 1 1 Xi_ p s» J -^ J J— (5 • II {0) j ^ — 1 f~~ -iL l y * 4- * ^? T ^- ^i6— ^ £ — ..i j — 80 FATINITZA, MARCH AND CHORUS. Tempo marziale. F. VON SUPPE. March for - ward fear-less.- ly ; Now thy val - or prove : That stand - ard bear- er free Lead -ing thee is love! 3t i ~ — d "H-l | I Ej= gj— *— *-— =*- ^BJ i=^MM> H— =£I±=A: =i =^ ^- m -A IV ^ J J For - ward, with sword in hand; Smite the hos - tile band ! *** * •— »— 0 — i1- Shall be the con-qu'ror'smeed! THE BROKEN RING. Allegretto IN EINEM KUHLEN GRUNDE. MILL OF THE VALLEY. On yon - der fleet - ing riv - er There turns a bus - y In ei - nem kuh - len Grun - de, da yeht ein Miih - len wheel, . . rad, , , . My love meinLieb has fled : chen ist Ah ! sor ver-schwun row, Which den, das «33 £935 ^ S^ P I i^= time dort can nev fje - woh er heal, net hat, My love, all ! bit - ter mein Lieb - chen ist ver M HUNTSMAN'S MARCHING SONG. A. METHFE3SEL, 1813. 0 b 1 p— ] -N r- -A j/jVi} -|* J— * =H A - way in the dis - tance the loud re - sound - in J ? 0 I?- - "1 frk*-^ — M — ^— — J— L— | J 1 J |-5 _| 1 , i ^ » t *—*-^ 9 W f r-t F* ,' gjifcfcg =1 |- i- P F T T song; *= tt On ev - ry gale the breath of free - dom f=r ^ blows, And hap - py life and love through all na - ture glows. :s THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER. S=P^54— - — i l^fag — 3-^=4-S= =*=f=P3= ^ =*±3=**=&s^E^±3F ^ say, can you see by the dawn's ear - ly light, What so Qi_wa_^jE=i3r « PP r r -* — *- ~*— =S ^==fe=t ~N- 5 — N- 3=* proud - ly we hailed -is>- at the twi-light's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright il-Ljf'_,-g • •_ __ i! « ^ K__ E r ; r1 i i ±=9=tf= ii r> N i r 3 -i&- :*=* J td ^=z=i=s IBZZ PTZ3J ^iEl I ^ x stars through the per - il - ous fight, O'er the ram -parts we watched, were so -P H— -^ — v— ^ I 1 EZMH :^Eb-: h i: P^ i * gal - lant - ly stream - ing. And the rock - ets red glare, the bombs i i i burst - ing in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star span-gled ban- ner yet wave O'er the f P— p- & f-f f— r— f2— — H m »=Rg— EE^iES=z=H 84 Molto vivace. HUNTER'S,, CHORUS. FROM DER FREISCHUTZ." VON WEBER. Wasi/leichtwohlauf Er - den dem Jd - c/er-ver - f ^fT^T? ^^ 4' pas - ses, The foun - tain of plea - sure for him doth a-bound, Through r/nii - yen, w em sprit - delt der Be - cher des Le - bens so reich? Beim wood and through flood, where the stag flits and pas - ses, He flies in pur - suit while the Klan-ye der Hor - ner im Gru-nen zu lie - qen,denHirsenzuver-fol-yendurch horns gay - ly sound. ^ kicht nnd Teich, -j- -j- . -j- . yn, this is a plea - sure that prin - ces might en - vy. For istfurst- li-cheFreu- de, ist mann-lich Ver-lan - gen, er - • -0- » • health and for man - hood the chief of de-lights. 'Mid e - choes ~re - ply - ing, when star - ket die Glie - der und wiir - zet das Mahl. Wenn Wai - der und Pel - sen uns day -light is dy - ing, To rest and the wine - cup our la - bor in-vites. hal -lend urn -fan- gen, font frei - er undfreud'-(/er der vol le Po-kal. H — MI — *-^ r +--f± -HH:=^"-- European Goldfinch. European Linnet. EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH. 87 EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH. OF all the cage-birds with which we are acquainted, the Canary holds first place ; and the Goldfinch ranks a close second. His beautiful plumage, sprightly actions, docile ways, and pretty song, make him a favorite wherever he appears ; and he is probably better known than any imported cage-bird except the Canary. The beautifully blended colors of his velvety coat are remarkable for their brilliancy and number ; while his hardiness, when caged, is unsurpassed ; and the readiness with which he mates with other varieties of birds makes him one of the most interesting subjects for use in the breeding- room. The ease with which he may be taught numerous and difficult tricks makes him an especial favorite with another class of bird-lovers. In fine, his many qualifications are not combined in any variety of bird with which we are acquainted. The Goldfinch is about five inches and a half in length ; the beak is conical, and very sharp and whitish, with a horn-colored tip ; the feet are brown and slender ; the front of the head is bright scarlet, and a broad band of the same color encircles the root of the beak ; the top and back of the head are a brilliant black ; the cheeks, and upper part of the neck, are pure white ; the top and nape of the neck are a beautiful brown ; the rump is white, tinged with brown ; the sides of the breast are light brown ; the middle of the breast and belly are whitish gra}T, tinged with brown ; the thighs are grayish ; the wing-feathers are -velvety black, with white tips ; the middle wing-feathers are edged on the outer plume, for about an inch, with bright yellow, which, in conjunction with the yellow tips of the hindmost large coverts, produces a beautiful effect. The tail is black, and tipped with whitish spots. The female Goldfinch closely resembles the male in size, and markings of plumage, the only perceptible difference being the small size of the scarlet band on the head. Much discussion has arisen as to the points by which the male is distinguished from the female. A certain, and the only sure, point by which they are known from one another is in the difference in colors of the fore-arm of the wing. If the bird is taken in the hand, and the wing out- stretched, the tip of the fore-arm will be observed to be velvety black in the male bird, and of a rusty brown in the female. It is contended by some authors, that the difference in the size so often seen in Goldfinches is caused by the unfair share of food which the first birds hatched receive. I think that this theory is doubtful, and I attribute the difference to the country or district in which they are reared. The birds are, to be sure, all of the same genus : but the conditions of climate and food result in the larger growth of some birds over that of others ; as, for instance, the German Goldfinch is larger, and, of course, higher prized, than the English. There are many varieties of the Goldfinch, caused by the difference in markings 88 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. or colors of the plumage, and by breeding with other varieties of birds. The highest prized of these varieties are the scarlet-headed, which has the entire head colored in> rich scarlet or crimson : there are no other markings to mar the brilliancy of color on the head. This is a very rare and beautiful variety. The white-breasted Cheveral, or King Goldfinch, has a pure white breast, and clear white ring around the neck. This variety is highly prized as a breeder of white or handsomely marked Goldfinch-Canary Hybrids. The white-legged variety is esteemed for the readiness- with which he mates with the female Canary. The black Goldfinch is a variety which is obtained by keeping the bird in close confinement in a darkened room. The Goldfinch Hybrids are in some cases very beautiful birds, and exhibit a won- derful variety of markings and color. The pure white is the highest prized ; and the colors range from that of the above specimen to the very dark, and are varied by elegant spots of brilliant crimson or yellow throughout the plumage. The Gold- finch is found throughout Europe, and in the summer season frequents gardens, groves, and even mountainous districts which are not altogether uncultivated. It is not a migratory bird, but collects in flocks in autumn, and makes excursions in search of food ; forsaking districts where snow is too deep, for others where the- climate is warmer. The nest of the Goldfinch, like the birds themselves, is a marvel of neatness and beauty, and is usually built in an apple or pear tree. It is semi-spherical, and composed of moss, lichen, and fine root-fibres, ingeniously woven together, and lined with wool, hair, or thistle-down ; the whole structure being remarkable for strength, and the skill with whiffli it is constructed. The female lays, once a year, five or six pale-green eggs ; and the young, if taken before they are fully fledged, are easily reared by hand, and make the most desirable class for teaching tricks, or for easily acquiring the Canary-song, which is greatly admired when poured forth from the throat of this debonnaire little stranger. Goldfinches are sociable little fellows with the strangers of the field, and never quarrel among themselves, which can rarely be said of even the best-conducted families of birds or men. They are of great service to the farmers and gardeners, and, with the aid of their sharp, strong little beaks, do effective work in the- destruction of innumerable insects. Their chief food in a wild state is thistle- seeds, of which they are very fond. The Goldfinch is easily trapped by placing a bundle of thistles in the vicinity of limed twigs. After capture they take very readily to confinement ; and after some few flutterings, and ineffectual attempts to- escape, they resign themselves to their fate, and in a few days eat the seed which is offered, and contentedly give themselves up to the pleasures of civilized life. The Goldfinch, when caged, sings throughout the year, with the exception of the moulting season. His song is on a high key, and real agreeable, and contains maijy warbles, trills, and twittering notes, which are intermingled in a most charming manner. The bird, during the continuance of his song, is in constant motion ; and these lively movements, combined with his graceful form, delicately blended colors, and sprightly song, make him one of the most attractive bird-objects with which a home can be adorned. A flock of flashing, dazzling-coated Goldfinches, when seen disporting themselves among the trees, combining their sweet voices into a great chorus, free to go whither they will, brightens the most dreary scenes of nature. EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH. 89 The effect which one of these little gems of nature, flying wild near London, produced on the mind of a poetic, dreamy lover of the bird, is described as fol- lows : — "Take this old rustic settee, and place in the shade of the bow-apple tree, and let's forget there's such a building as the London National Gallery : ah ! we do for- get, and even Laudseer's Dogs are out of Memory's Avenue for the nonce, as from a hiding in the shrubberies a song, now a double song, floats. ' How delightful ! r she exclaimed : those staccato notes, then the trills, now the disconnected warblings ; a strange intermingling of varied notes, so striking in contrast, and yet, as a whole, so admirable, — like a necklace of frosted gold and diamonds alternating, each adding beauty to each. Now the singer hops into sight, — a Goldfinch, beautifully marked and ornamented." In addition to his beautiful qualities above described, his intelligence is some- thing wonderful, and is but rarely equalled in any variety of the bird-race. After once overcoming the bird's natural shyness, and obtaining his confidence, the task of teaching the cunning and even difficult tricks which he is capable of learning to per- form is an easy matter. The bird must be taught to know but one master, and as soon as acquainted with him, by means of a dainty, in the shape of hemp-seed, will gradually eat from the hand : and the successive tricks of teaching him to eat from the mouth, and to climb the ladder, by making him perch on the forefinger of one hand, and climb to that of the other, by raising it above the one on which he is perched, and so on, until he has mounted many rounds, will be succeeded by the more difficult ones of firing off miniature cannon, and playing a tiny barrel-organ, in which he places himself on duty in the treadmill to produce the harmonious sounds. Feigning death, and feeding himself, and furnishing his own drinking- water, by drawing his seed from a trough supplied with a quantity of it on a tiny wheelbarrow, and drawing his drinking-water from a miniature well, placed beneath the platform of his cage, in " Old Oaken Bucket " style, by means of a small chain attached to a thimble, — these and many other difficult tricks he performs with apparent pleasure ; and the training which he undergoes interferes in no way with his pretty song. He bears the same relation to the bird-race, in his special line of training, that the trained Bullfinch bears to it in the art of music. When thoroughly trained, the Goldfinch thinks but little of his freedom, and evinces his displeasure if his master does not attend to his daily duties in the way of caresses, and bestowing upon him his usual dainties. He will perch on his owner's finger, and insert his sharp little beak between the lips in search of a hidden hemp-seed ; although he may perform this pleasant trick with due respect to the one whom he loves, if a stranger should attempt it with him, he would be apt to administer such a vicious dig on the lip with his needle-like beak, that the stranger would think that the blow was given for the purpose of sewing his lips together. In confinement the Goldfinch should be fed on maw or poppy seeds, mixed with. a third portion of either hemp or canary seeds. Lettuce, sweet apple, or ripe fruits of any kind, should be given him three times each week : he is also fond of scraped beef, which may be given about once a week. The daily bath is the Goldfinch's greatest luxury ; and he enjoys his plunge, and the after arrangements of complet- ing his toilet, with the greatest pleasure. He is a proud little fellow ; and the dis- 90 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. placement of any of his gay feathers is as quickly noticed as a speck of dust on the •coat of the most fastidious dandy. The proper cage for a Goldfinch should be high, and either round or square, and of the regular Canary-cage size ; because he likes to leap and climb upward, and always utters his sweetest song from the highest perch of his cage. As an aviary- bird the Goldfinch has no equal ; his handsome plumage, his sociable ways, and constant motion, making him one of the most attractive birds which could be used for this purpose. In the breeding-room he again ranks next to the Canary ; and when a good specimen, which breeds the rare colors so eagerly sought for by the anxious bird- breeders, his value is greatly enhanced. A full article on the breeding of Gold- finch-Canary Hybrids may be found in the article on Canaries. Goldfinches may be mated and successfully reared in cages in the same manner as Canaries. The best birds for the purpose are those which have been caged for two or three seasons. Some breeders claim that the white-legged variety are sure to mate and breed. Why this should be, I do not know ; but it is certain that the attempt very often succeeds. The progeny of birds which have been bred and reared in cages are the best materials with which to effect sure results, as their domestication makes them breed more readily. If moulted in a dark room, or where the sunshine is wanting, the bright colors of the Goldfinch are apt to become dull ; and after a second moult the bird will totally lose his most brilliant colors : therefore, when moulting season arrives, the cage should be hung in a sunshiny place, and the bird supplied daily with green food or fruits. He is not subject to many diseases. Epilepsy usually is caused by fright : decline is the result of too much plain food ; and giddiness results from eating too much maw-seed. Epilepsy may be cured in the same manner as advised for Canaries. Decline is cured by changing the diet to rich food, such as lettuce, apple, or fruits, and raw, scraped beef. Giddiness may be treated by withdrawing the maw-seed, and feeding on soaked plantain or millet-seeds until the bird has recovered. Diarrhoea and Constipation should be treated in the same manner as advised for Canaries. The Goldfinch, if properly cared for, will live caged for twelve or sixteen years, and in his old age will lose none of his sprightly melody, graceful motion, or beautiful color. EUROPEAN LINNET. 91 EUROPEAN LINNET. THIS sweet-voiced little songster is justly held in the highest estimation by all lovers of cage-birds, and, next to the Canary and Goldfinch, is probably the best known of the smaller songsters. His sprightly, melodious voice, docile ways and extreme hardiness when caged, make him a great favorite. Although his plain brown garb cannot be termed handsome ; yet in some cases, when he appears as the Redpoll, the sleek plumage is greatly admired when adorned by the handsome crimson of the forehead. The Linnet inhabits most of Europe and Northern Asia, and, during his migrations, appears also in many parts of Africa. The plumage of the bird varies greatly at different ages and seasons of the year, — a fact which not only mixes the family up in the greatest confusion, but is also the cause of both numberless mis- takes by ignorant bird-dealers, and of great errors in works of ornithology. The family of Linnets, in these cases, are divided into three classes, which are made separate species from one another, as the Brown Linnet, the Greater Redpoll, and Yellow Linnet. By numerous and careful observations it is proven that these three are one family ; the variations in the colors of the plumage occurring at different seasons of the year, and at the particular ages at which the bird is seen. A male Linnet at three years of age, when he has attained his full plumage, and is known as the Redpoll, may be described as follows : The forehead is blood-red, the rest of the head reddish ashen gray, spotted on the poll with black, and on the cheeks, the sides of the neck, and around the eyes, with reddish white. The feathers of the upper part of the back are rusty brown : the lower part is mottled with gray and white. The tail is forked and black ; the four external feathers having on each a deep margin of white, which, in the two centre feathers, is narrower, and tinged with red. After the autumnal moulting, the red on the forehead disappears, and the same hue on the breast becomes less conspicuous : the colors, however, recover their brilliancy in the course of the winter. Males of one year old have no red feathers on the head ; but, instead, the black spots are more numerous. The breast is light rust color throughout : the rust color of the back is also spotted with dark brown and reddish white. Such birds are known as Brown or Gray Linnets. After the second moulting, specks of blood-red may be observed on the under sipe of the reddish-gray feathers ; and the red of the breast is concealed only by the broad, yellowish white margins of the feathers. These birds are called Yellow Linnets. Bird-sellers sometimes give the name of Yellow Linnets to those birds 92 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. in which the red on the breast and forehead is replaced by a bright orange : this is merely the effect of old age, or sickness during moulting. Such birds are often the finest songsters ; but they are, as a rule, remarkably shy and wild, and usually die of grief, from which it must be inferred that the birds are very old. As a general rule, the older the bird, the redder the color on the head. Those birds which have been deprived of their liberty when young never acquire the beautiful red color on the head and breast, but always resemble the one-year old, or Gray Linnet. No variation of color is observed in the female Linnet ; she is somewhat smaller than the male ; and the colors on the breast and back are of a much duller cast, and more gray than brown. The Linnet, in a wild state, breeds twice a year ; the female laying each time five or six eggs. The old birds feed the young from the crop, and, when the whole brood is taken, will continue to do so in the cage. The devotion which the parent birds show their young long after they are able to provide for themselves is remarkable, and it is related that a pair of these birds continued the care of their captured nestlings for a long time while the cruel bars of the cage separated them. The Linnet is chiefly prized on account of his beautiful song. In the interior of England, where the perfect song of the trained Canary has not penetrated, the Linnet is the highest prized of all song-birds : and singing-matches are regularly held among various owners of the best song Linnets, one contesting bird only sing- ing at a time ; the requirements of song generally being for variety and number of notes, length of rolls or runs on the same notes, and length of time without breaks within the time fixed upon, which is decided by appointed judges. The Linnet's song ranks very high. His tone is mellow, his notes very sprightly, artfully varying into the plaintive strain, and returning again to the sprightly, with the greatest address and most masterly execution. During the con- tinuance of the song, certain clear or sonorous notes recur, which is called the Linnet's crow ; and the song is esteemed in proportion to the frequency with which these notes are sung. The Linnet's song greatly varies ; while in some cases the notes are sung in a masterly manner, in others the song falls greatly below the most commonplace song-bird. The difference is accounted for in the training: the Linnet is as susceptible of a thorough training as the Canary ; and if taken from the nest when young, and placed within hearing of a first-class songster of his own variety, he will become one of the same kind. He will also copy the notes of the Nightingale, Lark, or any other highly prized song-bird, with remarkable precision, and rivals the trained Canary in that respect. It is also claimed, that Linnets have been trained to pipe airs in the same manner as the trained Bullfinch. Another claim which the Linnet has, as a superior cage-bird, is the ease with which he may be trained to perform numerous tricks at the word of command ; and his intelligence in this respect ranks as high as that of the Goldfinch or Siskin. If his plumage were as beautiful as that of the Goldfinch, he would fairly outrank that little favorite in popular estimation. The Linnet's many attractive qualities are not so well known to the bird-fanciers EUROPEAN LINNET. 93 of this country as to those of Europe : the birds of this species which are usually sent here are those which have been trapped, and are consequently wild and shy when placed in an open cage. The best class of Linnets are the trained nestlings, which are now regularly imported to this country in small numbers ; and it is safe to say, that, when their many beautiful qualities are known, they will quickly displace many of the now more popular songsters. The beautiful wild song of the Linnet is best described in Burns's popular verse : — " I wadna gie the Untie' s sang, Sae merry on the broomy lea, For all the harps that ever rang In all the halls of minstrelsie. Mair clear to me, where bush or breer Amang the pathless heather grows, The lintie's wild, sweet note to hear, As on the ev'nin' breeze it flows." The Linnet is probably - the hardiest bird of any of the smaller class of songsters. He is not apt to catch cold ; as his tough North-of-England, or Scotch, constitution fits him to withstand many of the hardships which other cage-birds •could not undergo : in fact, his toughness may be compared to that of the song Thrush or Blackbird. The Hybrids reared from a Linnet and Canary comprise, sometimes, most beautiful varieties, varying from the clear milk-white specimen to the gray variety. The birds of this class are very highly esteemed, on account of the ease with which they learn to sing the Nightingale's song, or the trained notes of any other bird. In pairing birds for Hybrid-breeding, the male Linnet and a female Canary, which are known to breed white Hybrids when mated, generally reproduce beautiful specimens. Linnets may also be successfully paired in cages, and bred in the same manner as Canaries. When Linnets of this class are obtained, they may be taught in the same way as young Canaries, and will probably surpass them, after thorough training, in purity and fine quality of the voice, owing to the natural, flute-like tone. If the Redpoll is moulted in the sunlight and fresh air, the beautiful crimson on the head will in no way be diminished in depth of color. All birds of brilliant colors, when moulted in dark rooms, are apt to lose the depth of color : pure air and plenty of sunshine are essential in these cases. The cage which should be used for the Linnet is the regular Canary size. Trapped Linnets should be placed in covered cages until they recover from their shyness : otherwise they would be apt to pine away and die from the continued efforts to escape, and exposure to unaccustomed objects. The food, care, and treatment of Linnets are the same as given for the Canary. If properly cared for, the Linnet will thrive in a caged state, and remain in constant song from twelve to fifteen years. Chaffinch. Siskin. Till-: CHAFFINCH. 95 THE CHAFFINCH. TIIK Chaffinch is an oddly coated, sprightly fellow. In order to hear his song in perfection, one must visit the country where he is so highly respected. That must be a valuable bird when a poor man cheerfully gives up his cow in exchange for one known to be perfect in song. Yet it is said that instances of the kind are not infrequent in Thuringia, where the bird is prized above all songsters. He is not so highly esteemed in America, because one is rarely imported of the above value. In England singing-matches are held by owners of these birds, in order to decide their respective merits. In certain parts of Germany one is rarely heard in his wild state in perfect song, because of the craze for them. Bird-trappers will travel miles for them, and spend many weary hours in endeavoring to trap one if he ventures near where his song may be heard. The Chaffinch is about six inches and a half in length. The beak is conical,, and is white in winter ; but, at the time of mating, it turns blue, and remains so until moulting season. As the bird commences to sing at the time of mating, the color of the beak is an indication as to whether the bird is in song or not. The cheeks, throat, breast, and belly are a reddish chestnut brown, tinged with a lighter shade toward the vent. The forehead is black, the nape of the neck grayish blue, and in old birds a darker shade of blue. The upper part of the back is chestnut brown, tinged with olive green : the lower part of the back is light green. The female, being smaller, is easily distinguished from the male ; and the bright colors on the upper part of the male's body are replaced by a grayish brown, and on "the breast by a reddish gray. The Chaffinch is an inhabitant of all parts of Europe, but is most common in Germany. They are migratory birds, and begin to arrive in March ; the males arriving some time in advance of the females, which has gained for them the name of bachelor birds. This earlier arrival is also taken advantage of by the bird-catchers, who are sure of not encumbering their traps with unmarketable females. The bird's chief value, undoubtedly, lies in his song, which is distinguished from all other birds' by the near approach to the articulation of speech. The natural wild song is greatly enhanced by instruction, which the bird is obliged to undergo in order to become perfect : one of these trained singers is often hung in a room with a number of young birds, which receive a regular course of instruction, and are afterwards perfected still more if they are capable. Bech- stein enumerates no less than thirteen different varieties of song which these birds are able to produce, some singing as many as four of them. The highest prized of all the songs is termed the "double trill" of the Harz. It consists of five long passages, or strains, and ends in a double-syllabled word, which is dwelt upon at 9(> CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. considerable length. This song is not wholly natural, but partly so. In order to be perfect, the bird should be taught it : it is said that a bird which can interpret this song in all its perfection may be taught to speak, as the different syllables re- quire a distinct pronunciation. The entire list of songs are designated by names which the bird pronounces, or is supposed to pronounce, in the course of his song. This bird, unlike a majority of trained birds, never forgets what has been taught him; his song returning to him in all its completeness after the moulting season. When a trained singer is placed in a room for the purpose of instructing younger birds, the room should be darkened ; as the younger birds learn much more readily than when too much light is given. In some parts of Europe, in order to make the Chaffinch sing by night as well as day, he is put in a totally dark room for a few days, in order to accustom him to find his food : he is then deprived of his sight by means of a red-hot needle passed through the pupils of the eyes, — a heartless piece of conduct, which cannot be too severely condemned. The Chaffinch may also be taught a variety of tricks, although not as easily taught in this respect as many of the other Finches. He is noted for the beauty of the construction of his nest. He may be paired with a female Canary in breeding season, but Hybrids of this variety are rarely seen. The proper food for the Chaffinch is the mixed canary-seed, varied occasionally by a few grains of hemp : too much hemp should not be given ; for although it does not injure the song, as in case of a great many seed-eating birds, it makes them fat, and subject to disease. A piece of sweet apple, or green food of any kind, should be given occasionally as a variety, and to aid them in digestion. A meal- worm is a dainty, and two or thi'ee every week will keep the bird in perfect song. The daily bath should not be neglected. A larger cage is required for the Chaffinch than for the Canary ; the best being the brass cage 11 X 13 x 17. or wood framed, tinned wire, 9x14. In sickness this bird should be treated the same as the Canary. SONG. FROM THE GERMAN OF GEIBEL. Birdling, whither now, I pray? " Southward far I wing my way." There the sun shines warm and clear, * 'Tis the winter of the year. Birdling, when on mottled wing, 'Mid the linden-leaves you sing. Where my gentle love doth dwell, Tell her, that, by night and da}-, Lives she in my heart alway; Tell her that I love her well. And the flowerets of the plain. Kiss them o'er and o'er again. THE SISKIN. 97 THE SISKIN. THIS is a diminutive, green-colored fellow, very unpretentious in color, and is very well known in our larger cities by the number of them which form the stock in trade, or, rather, the brains, of numerous itinerant venders of fortunes (never bad ones) on street-corners. The birds are usually seen in a long box-cage, with a trough attached, containing a number of envelopes ; and, on the payment of a trifling fee, one will poke his head through the bars, and select the envelope which contains the written secret of your future life. He is one of the easiest of birds to teach simple tricks ; and whether it is in performing the feat of firing off a cannon many times his size, or drawing his tiny bucket of water for his daily drink, he performs them in such an accommodating manner as to leave the impression that he enjoys the performance as much as does the spectator. It is chiefly for the ease with which he learns to perform that he is prized. Siskins are very numerous through- out Europe, where they remain the entire year. He is four and three-quarters inches in length. The top of the head and throat are black ; the neck and cheeks green ; the back, green, speckled with black ; the under part of the neck and the breast are greenish yellow ; the belly and vent whitish yellow. The wing- feathers are black, bordered with yellowish green : the tail is forked. The female is paler in color, and is without the black on top of the head. They are favorite birds to mate with Canaries ; and handsome specimens are produced where the male Siskin is bred with a high-colored female Canary, although success is more certain if mated with a female green Canary. The male birds combine both beauty and song to a marked degree. The Siskin should be fed on poppy or maw seed, mixed in equal proportions with plain canary-seed, and occasionally a few grains of hemp, the latter as a re- ward, when the bird is in training. He is remarkably free from disease, his chief ailment being epilepsy. He lives caged to the age of about eight years. The song is quite pleasing, being a combination of pretty chirps, and is given throughout the year. The bird is sociable, and, as he is not of a quarrelsome disposition, is quite an attraction for the aviary, where he has room to display his gymnastic qualities. The regular Canary-cage is the most suitable for him. 98 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. THE NONPAREIL. THE Nonpareil, or Painted Bunting, is a gayly plumed little bird, and. as his first name indicates, unequalled. Indeed, it would be difficult to find such a blending of beautiful colors in any other songster. His shining coat of red, blue, and gold, as it glitters in the sunlight, each color seemingly more beautiful than the others, calls forth admiration from the most careless observer. The Nonpareils breed in our .Southern States, and in the summer season they are caught in large numbers. Louisiana is a favorite haunt with them, where they are great favorites with the French inhabitants, who, true to their native instincts, admire any thing which is gayly dressed. This bird is not by any means the lowest in the list of song-birds ; for his melodious warble, given in a low, concise manner, adds much to his other attractive qualities. He is very easily domesticated, and. after a few days' confine- ment, appears reconciled to his new mode of life. Pairs are very easily mated, and require no more care than the mating of a pair of Canaries. If the same attention and interest were taken in breeding this class of birds as are taken in breeding Canaries, they would, no doubt, become much more popular than at present : what- ever inferiority they have in song is more than made up by the richness and beauty of plumage. It is a pleasing operation to watch the numerous changes which the feathers undergo before the birds attain their full colors. The Nonpareils arrive in the Southern States from the warmer latitudes about the latter part of April, and raise two broods in the breeding season, which lasts until July 1. The young birds of both sexes, during the first season, are a fine olive-green color on the upper parts, and pale yellow below. The female undergoes no material change in color after- ward, except becoming a darker shade as she grows older. The male birds, on the contrary, are three seasons in obtaining their full variety of colors. In the second season the blue on the head begins to show, intermixed with the olive green : the red also begins to make its appearance in spots which dot -the breast. The third season the bird attains his full beauty, and blossoms forth in his beautifully inter- mingled colors, blue, green, and scarlet. When in full color the head and neck are violet, the upper part of the back bright green, the lower part of the back and the rest of the body a bright red : the tail is brownish red. From the above descrip- tion it may be seen, that, until the second season, it is next to impossible to tell the male from the female ; and, no doubt, many an unsuspecting buyer has been aston- ished and delighted at finding the bird which he bought for a female Nonpareil bloom out in any thing but feminine-bird colors the following season. The ease with which the Nonpareil is trapped makes his stock very numerous in the bird- market in the season, which lasts in the Northern States from May until September. I Nonpareil. Indigo Bird. THE NONPAREIL. 99 The method of trapping Nonpareils is, to place a stuffed specimen or a painted plaster- Paris imitation in a trap-cage : his brilliant feathers attract the attention of the passing flock, which pounce upon him, and spring the trap ; thus making pris- oners of themselves. In this manner thousands are caught every spring, mostly by negroes, who make an easy living while the game lasts. The Nonpareil begins to feed immediately after being caged, which is contrary to the usual habit of trapped birds. He may be bought as cheaply in the Northern States as in the Southern, because the great numbers sent North are usually traded off for Canaries and other imported birds, which cannot be sent direct to the Southern States ; thus making the cost in reality but little above the original price in their breeding-places. Many a Northern lady, while visiting the orange-groves of Florida in the winter season, be- comes enchanted with the beautiful appearance of the Nonpareil as seen in his wild state, and offers some wily negro a tempting prize for the capture of one. The negro, who is always ready to please this class of customers, easily procures one, and charges the price which he usually procures for a dozen from the bird-dealer. The lady, not being a bird-fancier, takes unusual care to transport her charge safely to her Northern home, and exhibits him as one of the rarities and beauties of the Southern clime. If she chances to take the trouble to visit the nearest bird-shop, she will see how easily she could have saved the trouble, and one-half the original cost, by buying at home. The Nonpareil is very easily tamed : he is passionately fond of flies and insects, and readily learns to take them from the hand. This should be the first step towards his regular course of training, when training is desired. In their wild state, the regular food is rice, various kinds of insects, and different varieties of seeds. They are largely exported to the various European countries, where of late years they have become great favorites. In some of the zoological gardens, notably at Antwerp, they are bred with great success. At Havre and Paris immense numbers of them are sold yearly. A great deal of fault has been found by the lovers of these birds, owing to the change of color which they undergo while moulting. If care is not exercised dur- ing the moulting period, the bright dress is apt to become a dull orange hue. If the bird is given plenty of room, and a daily bath, and all the sunlight that cau be possibly procured, he will come out as brilliant as though he moulted in his wild state. Sunlight is the chief requisite in moulting birds of a natural bright plumage ; and, when plenty of it is given, there need be no fear of their losing any of their gay colors. The Nonpareil has been mated with the Canary ; and although this species of Hybrid-breeding has been rarely attempted, no doubt if the same attention was paid to this kind of cross-breeding that is given the regular Goldfinch-Canary cross, the result would more than repay one for the trouble. The Nonpareil will live in con- finement about ten years, and should be fed, when caged, on plain canary-seed, or plain canary-seed mixed in equal proportions with millet-seed. The daily bath should never be neglected, as it seems to be a special necessity with him. His dis- eases are few, constipation being the chief : although a seed-eating bird, he should be fed insects and worms as regular as the soft-food birds ; when this is done, he keeps remarkably free from disease, and will live many years. 100 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. THE INDIGO-BIRD. THIS beautiful and favorite American songster is well known in all parts of the United States. He is among the first to make his appearance in the spring-time, and his merry warble in the fields and orchards is always a welcome sign. His docility and beauty make him a universal favorite ; and whether in the aviary, 01 caged in single blessedness, he appears equally happy. His pure, handsome blue color makes him a striking object when viewed in contrast with the various colors of a well-stocked aviary ; and, as he is one of the most sociable of birds, he is always sought after when a nice collection is desired. The Indigo-bird is about five inches and a half in length. The beak is a dark lead color, and the feet are brown. In the spring-time, when in perfect plumage, the entire color of the male is rich deep blue, being most brilliant on the top of the head and neck, the wing and tail feathers being slightly tinged with brown. When the bird assumes his winter coat, the blue on the body is tinged with brown, and the breast is speckled with whitish spots. The female Indigo-bird is easily dis- tinguished from the male ; the entire plumage being a dusky blue intermingled with brown, which color she retains the entire year. The song of the Indigo-bird, although not so loud and varied as some, is very agreeable, and, when caged alone, is constant, except through the moulting period. He is a very apt scholar, and is one of the favorite trick-birds. He may be taught as readily as the English Siskin or Goldfinch, and his efforts in firing off cannon and drawing water make him a great favorite with those fond of this class of birds. Like the Nonpareil, he is largely exported, and, being a Northern bird, is somewhat better adapted to withstand the cold climates. His food should be the same as that of the Nonpareil. The same treatment also applies to both. Cross-breeding has been attempted with the Canary, but with poor success ; the colors being disappointing. The Indigo-bird lives usually in confinement, when carefully looked after, about seven years. The regular Canary-cage is best adapted for him when it is desired to keep him alone. When kept in an aviary he is apt to live longer, owing to the freedom and greater variety of food which he obtains. THE YKLLOW-KTRD. 101 THE YELLOW-BIRD. THERE are very few bird-fanciers, or, in fact, the most indifferent observers of the bird-race, but what have admired the smartly dressed, intelligent Yellow-bird. He rejoices in a surprising variety of names ; being known as the American Gold- finch, Thistle-bird, New- York Siskin, and called by the mischievous bird-trapping urchins, The Shiner. He is a pretty little fellow ; and whether performing any of the numberless tricks which he is capable of being taught, or simply caged on account of his pleasing manners, he is always the same unassuming bird, which trait has won for him his many friends. His cheapness is one of the least of his many virtues. These birds are found in abundance throughout North America. The Yellow- bird is about four inches and a half in length, of a rich lemon color, fading into white on the rump and vent. The wings and tail are black, the former being edged and tipped with white : the fore-part of the head is black, the bill and legs of a red- dish cinnamon color. This is the summer dress of the male ; but in September the yellow gradually changes to a rich tint of brown olive, and the male and female are then nearly alike. They build a very neat and delicately constructed nest, which they fasten to the twigs of a tree, covering the outside with pieces of moss or lichen, which the}r find 611 the trees or fences. These they glue together with their saliva, and afterwards line the inside with the softest downy substances they can procure. The 3rouug males do not attain their perfect plumage until they are one year old, wanting during that time the black on the head ; and the white on the wings being of a cream color. In the month of April they begin to change their winter dress, and about the middle of May appear in a coat of brilliant yellow. During the latter part of summer they are constant visitors in the gardens and orchards, seeking the seeds of which they are so fond, "and dislodging them from the husks in a very adroit manner. The song of the Yellow-bird is a pleasing succession of short notes or twitters, and greatly resembles the song of the European Goldfinch, but somewhat weaker ; as it appears to come from a distance, although the bird may be perched on the hand. When perched together in flocks, and singing their morning concert, the sounds produced are not at all unpleasant to listen to, and form a sort of harmony extremely new and original. The Yellow-bird bears a striking resemblance to the Canary, the chief difference being in the size. Attempts have been made to mate the male Yellow-bird with the female Canary ; and, although in some cases the result has been successful, the progeny were not of sufficient value to make the investment a paying one. 102 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. The Yellow-birds are probably trapped in larger numbers than any of our native birds, and in the large cities in the proper season may be seen exposed for sale in any of the principal markets or on street-corners. Unlike the majority of freshly trapped birds, they take naturally to the cage, and eat readily as soon as food is offered. The seeds which the Yellow-bird eats in his wild state are the lettuce, thistle, and hemp. In confinement he will thrive on maw or poppy seeds, millet and canary mixed, which should be varied occasionally by the addition of a few grains of hemp. It is probably owing to the great frequency with which they are seen in their wild state that they are not more frequently seen in the cages of bird-lovers. They make most desirable cage-birds, and the number of tricks which they are capable of learning cannot be surpassed by the best-educated birds known ; and they rank ahead of the European birds of the same class in the intelligence displayed. To show what they are capable of doing, the following feats are related of a troop of trained Yellow-birds which travelled for many seasons throughout the country. They were a source of wonder wherever exhibited, and the means of considerable revenue for their owner. The troop consisted of eight birds : one appeared dead, and was held up by the claws or tail without exhibiting any signs of life ; the second stood on its head with its claws in the air ; the third imitated a Dutch milk- maid going to market with pails on her shoulders ; the fourth mimicked a Venetian girl looking out of a window ; the fifth appeared as a soldier, and mounted guard as a sentinel ; the sixth acted as a cannoneer, with a cap on its head, a musket on its shoulder, and a match in its claw, and discharged a small cannon. The same bird acted also as if it had been wounded. It was wheeled away in a barrow, to convey it, as it were, to the hospital, after which it flew away before the company. The seventh turned a windmill ; and the last bird stood in the midst of fireworks, which were discharged all around it, without betraying any signs of fear. The usual tricks of making them draw water from a well by means of a thimble attached to a string, and drawing their seed in a diminutive wheelbarrow, are commonly seen. They make very sociable aviary-birds, and live in perfect peace with the remainder of the family. Their natural tameness permits one to allow them the freedom of the room, and they betray no fear at the approach of their master : after a few lessons in taking seeds from the hand, they gain confidence, and become apt pupils, learning quickly the more difficult tricks. The different styles of cages in which they may be seen are numerous and varied. The poor owner who cannot afford a costly brass cage will be apt to make an aged basket or box, with a woven-string front, answer all purposes. The best styles of cage are the round or square, painted, or all brass Canary-cages. When these birds are dumpish or sick, feed crushed hemp. Keep them warm, and add a few drops of paregoric to the drinking-water. A bath may be given every day. AM ERIC AX RED LINNET. 103 AMERICAN RED LINNET. THIS bird is a charming songster, and a rival of the Englishman of the same sur- name. He is commonly seen in our Northern woods in the summer season. The colors of the male, after attaining the full plumage, are red or rose color, most in- tense on the head, mixed with dusky streaks on the back, fading to white on the belly and vent ; wings and tail dusky, with reddish edgings. The females and young male birds have no red or bright colors on their plumage, but resemble some of the Sparrow tribe : they may be recognized by the short, stout bill. While the male birds are changing their colors, they show every gradation between the colors of the opposite sexes, and frequently show saffron or bronzy tints throughout the plumage. They are naturally tame, and delight to build their nests near the habita- tion of man. The length of the Red Linnet is about five inches and a half. The male bird sings throughout the year, and is a most desirable songster to cage ; being exceedingly tough, owing to living in the Northern climate. The treatment and care should be the same as for Canaries. Linnets are trapped in large numbers, but rarely bred in confinement. Throughout the Northern States is also found a Gray Linnet, a larger specimen than the Red, resembling in appearance the coloring of the Sparrow race. This bird also makes a most excellent songster and good cage-bird. Other varieties of the Linnet family are the Redpoll and Pine Linnet, both good specimens. The members of the Linnet family are all noted for their tough- ness, and the ease with which they may be tamed. They all require the same care and treatment as given to Canaries. 104 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. THE SNOW BUNTING. THIS bird bears the same relation to the bird-race that the Esquimaux do to the human race. It appears to be a fact, that, unless icebergs are around, the Snow Bunting is not happy. He is an inhabitant of the coldest and most dreary climates, and is unknown in latitudes where snow does not abound. He is chameleon-like regarding the color, which includes any thing from the clear white to the dusky brown ; the most common colors seen being the winter dress, — a mixture of white on the body and head, the wings being brown or dun colored. In summer the plumage changes to a tawny brown. In the districts of Siberia, Russia, and Greenland, where game is scarce, the Snow Buntings form one of the chief articles of diet. They are found in swarms in these sparsely settled regions, and it is a matter of surprise to see how they are able to exist where sufficient food must be so scarce. They are the subjects of numberless legends, and are known in our own country as the harbingers of severe cold weather. They become very tame, and easily get acquainted with the inhabit- ants of a household who have been kind to them. They will make daily calls in search of bread-crumbs or seeds which have been scattered for them. They are harmless birds, and are not often seen caged ; although they are easily trapped by means of horse-hair loops. As their desire for freedom is so great, it seems a pity to keep them caged. They form one of the few picturesque scenes of a dreary winter, and should be allowed to remain in their native places. When in confinement they will eat almost any kind of seeds, oats, or bread- crumbs. The warmer temperature to which they are naturally introduced when caged does not appear to affect them. The song 'of the Snow Bunting is a series of whistles, some of the varieties being recorded as most excellent songsters. JA VA SPA RR O Wti. JAVA SPARROWS. EVERY one who writes of the Gray Java Sparrows mentions the fact that they are well-known cage-birds, and this is indeed true. Probably no foreign cage-bird is better known here than this sleek, handsome, inquisitive-looking fellow. To be sure, beyond his well arranged dress and docile ways, he has no special recom- mendation ; yet it is always a pleasure to look at one, or a number of them, chat- ting away as lively as a lot of blooming maidens arrayed for a matinee. The Java Sparrow's chief object in life seems to be to keep clean, a virtue which a great man}' sweet singers do not possess ; and this, likely, makes him the favorite with many admirers. He is an amusing bird, and is much sought after as a pet for children and invalids. His short chirps are not disagreeable, and will in no way be a disturbance in a sick-room ; while, socially, his company is very enjoyable. He derives his name from the island of Java, in which place, and other East- Indian countries, large numbers are captured, and brought to European and American ports by sailors. The care given to a very large number of them during a voyage is very slight ; as they are hardy birds, capable of withstanding all degrees of heat and cold, and thrive on unhulled rice alone. They are called in their native coun- tries Rice-birds, and are as common as the English Sparrows in our own land. They do immense damage to the rice-crops, and are a source of constant annoyance to the inhabitants, who endeavor, by means of movable scarecrows, very ingenious in construction, to deter them from destroying the crops. But like our native tor- ment, the Crow, they become accustomed to the various devices used, and wink at such means of intimidation. The Java Sparrow is about five inches in length : the beak is very strong and large, and is of a beautiful rose color, with the appearance of being modelled from wax. The middle of the breast and belly are a handsome shade of slate color, and the upper parts of the body are a somewhat darker shade of the same color. On the cheeks are clear white spots ; and the throat and face are black, with a satin-like sheen ; the feet are reddish brown. There is no cage-bird so easily kept as the Java Sparrow : he is like the Chinese in his frugality ; rice being his only food, and a daily bath his principal luxury. He may be easily taught numberless amusing tricks, such as feigning death, playing soldier, standing on his head, etc. In London a favorite trick-cage is used for the Java Sparrow : it is a common wooden cage, with a large revolving-wheel for one side, and is fitted with perches arranged in the form of a circular ladder ; inside the wheel a music-box is con- cealed. The Sparrow is trained to jump from one rung of the ladder to another, CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. and the wheel acts in the same relation to the music-box as a crank to a hand-organ. As the bird hops, the music-box plays, and continues playing until the bird is quiet. The birds always seem to enjoy the music, and need no urging to make them perform their pleasing duties. The care of Java Sparrows is easily explained. Their foctl should consist of Padda, or unhulled rice, and occasionally some plain canary-seed. The daily bath should not be neglected. The Sparrow's silken coat retains its bright appearance throughout the year : in fact, so snug are the feathers, that his plumage does not seem to consist of separate feathers, but a single block. After his daily plunge, the water drips off his back as though running from an oily surface. It is always better to keep the Java Sparrows in pairs, although they thrive very well when separated. The best cage for a pair is the brass cage 10x13x15, or the wood-frame tinned-wire cages 9 X 14 to 12 x 24. The common-sized Canary-cage is suitable when it is desired to keep only one bird. They also live peaceably in a large aviary. WHITE JAVA SPAHRDWS. 107 WHITE JAVA SPARROWS. THESE are among the most striking birds when kept in a large collection. The beautiful, clear white, silky plumage, set off to good advantage by the clear rose- tinted beak, gives the White Java Sparrow an appearance which at once arrests the attention of any observer. The clear white color is another evidence of the superiority of the scientific breeding of the bird-fanciers in China and Japan. How the change of color from the gray to the white was obtained will probably never be known. Some writers assert, that the birds were originally bred in rooms where nothing but white color was seen ; and, in breeding down from generation to generation, the white variety was gradually obtained. Jacob, a son of Isaac, changed the color of cattle by this method. That is a convenient way to account for the Sparrow's transformation. Other writers assert, that the gray variety was fed on chalk, which changed the plumage. One story is probably as truthful as the other ; and, as nobody knows for a certainty, it is better to let the matter remain a mystery. It is, however, certain, that the White Java Sparrows are not of the Albino race ; as they lack the pink eyes always seen in the various specimens of that race. They may also be bred in confinement, and produce progeny of the same color, which is an impossibility with any Albino birds. The Japanese make a business of breeding the White Java Sparrows ; and each pair has a small cage, in which is placed a perch and nest. By careful and stimu- lating feeding, they are made to lay freely ; and, as soon as a brood is hatched, the old birds are placed in another cage, where they continue hatching and breeding. The young are brought up by hand, being fed on a scalded vegetable decoction mixed with millet-seed. It is an easy matter to breed White Java Sparrows in this country, and, besides being easily done, much more remunerative than Canary-raising. Put a pair in a common breeding-cage with a straw-basket nest, and furnish materials, which may consist of pieces of straw, hay, hair, or fowls' feathers ; and they will commence to build as readily as a pair of Canaries. The period of incubation lasts about the same length of time as required for Canaries. When the young are hatched, feed on egg-paste mixed with millet-seeds or crushed hemp. When full grown, the birds are as hardy as the gray variety, and require the same care. The White Java Sparrows are usually seen in aviary collections, where they always keep by themselves, and never molest the other inmates. It requires an expert to tell the difference in the sexes of the birds of either variety, they resemble each other so closely ; and when ordering a pair from a 108 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. distance, for breeding purposes, they should be ordered from a reliable dealer. The same-sized cages should be used for the White as for the Gray Java Sparrows. The mottled white and gray Java Sparrows, although very handsome in appear- ance, are not so highly prized as the pure white : the streaky appearance is probably due to some defect in the breeding. Java Sparrows live to be twenty years of age. TABLE OF BULLFINCHES, GOLDFINCHES, ETC. VOICE. ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES. 1 1 c _o 3 o 01 X H • > .5 * " — 5 £ M 11 a 5C ou T V s,c GO •si ° a >>E IE R X! V c 1 £ 0 M 33 *j O — a, « =5 MWH m'cc H o .- u p Bullfinch (trained) 10 6 5 5 3 3 4 5 3 2 2 10 6 6 4 3 3 4 5 3 2 2 10 4 5 5 2 4 4 5 2 0 2 10 4 6 6 2 3 4 6 2 0 2 10 9 S 7 7 5 6 7 7 2 2 S 9 5 6 5 10 8 5 6 8 8 8 8 9 8 8 6 6 8 6 9 8 6 4 5 7 3 4 4 6 3 5 6 8 7 5 6 5 7 7 5 6 6 8 10 9 7 6 8 6 6 6 8 7 10 Linnet (European) Chaffinch • Siskin Nonpareil Linnet (American) Yellow-bird (American Goldfinch) . Java Sparrow Bullfinch (untrained) The above table is arranged with one hundred as the highest standard of excellence, — fifty points for the voice, and fifty for attractive qualities. These figures are given, rather as representing my individual opinion, and are not offered as an unvarying standard. CARDINALS. 109 CARDINALS. THE Red Cardinal, Cardinal Grosbeak, Reclbird, and Virginia Nightingale are some of the more common names applied to the bird whose full figure is shown in the cut. He is a large, strongly built bird, measuring eight inches in length. His brilliant scarlet coat and jaunty pointed crest easily distinguish him from the other American bird-vocalists. The following is an exact description of the male bird's plumage. The entire upper parts of the body are of a dusky red ; the sides of the neck and head, and the lower parts of the body, are of a brilliant vermilion color ; the chin and lower forehead are velvety black. The head is ornamented with a high, pointed crest, which the bird can raise or lower at pleasure. The bill resembles a beautiful piece of coral in color, and is very thick and powerful, which renders it easy for him to break the hardest kinds of grain or seeds, and which gives him the title, in some places, of " corn- cracker." The legs and feet are a light clay color. The female is of a brownish olive or drab color, of a deeper shade in the upper parts of the body than in the lower: the tips of. the tail-feathers, the wings, and crest, are a dull red. The birds of this species are found in immense numbers throughout the Southern and Western parts of the United States, but are rarely caught north of Pennsyl- vania. There were formerly odd cases where these birds bred as far north as Nova Scotia, but it was probably the result of a pair escaping from a cage. Although a very hardy class of birds, — being capable of withstanding the rigors of a Northern winter as well as any cage-bird, — they seem to naturally thrive better in the Southern States, where they are trapped in immense numbers. Early in May, in that climate, they build their nests in cedars or in laurel bushes. The outside is constructed of small twigs, and tops of dry weeds, and within are slips of vine- barks : the whole is lined with stalks of fine grass. The female lays four eggs, and there are usually two broods in a season. These birds breed in large cages or rooms if furnished with bushes and other suitable material. The male is often used to rear nests of young Canaries deserted by their parents. He may be put into a cage with a nest of very young Canaries, and will feed them as carefully as any female Canary possibly could, and watch over them as tenderly as though they were his own. He anticipates their every want, and gives them instructions, not only in flying, but in singing songs very different from the ordinary Canary-song in style, modulation, and notes. He has patience inexhaustible. The young, unculti- vated pupils struggle hard to catch his notes, and their renderings of the songs lie whistles sound very odd : a listener is often compelled to laugh at the many ineffec- tual attempts the Canaries make before they succeed in singing well even the first bar of his tk Wake, Brothers ! " CMWlXALti. HI With all his compassion for Canary orphans, toward his own species, in his breeding season, he is violent and pugnacious, and delights in a grand rough-and- tumble fight. Place a mirror before his cage, and the gesticulations of the tenant will be truly laughable ; yet with this he soon becomes so well acquainted, that, in a short time, he takes no notice whatever of it. Cardinals are rarely raised from the nest ; as they are so easily taken in trap- cages, and domesticated, that the trouble of rearing by hand is unnecessary. Like the Mocking-bird, his very love for fighting makes him an easy victim for the wily negro bird-trapper. A bird of some other species, if placed in a trap-cage, will quickly attract the Cardinal's sharp eye ; and his furious pounce is followed by his sure capture. The birds are also caught by means of bird-lime. When taken from the trap-cage, his powerful beak is often used to such good effect on the hands of his captor, that lie sometimes makes his escape, and at others is the means of breaking his own neck. The Cardinal's beak is capable of inflicting a severe nip, and is given so quickly and with such force, that the victim in his alarm endeavors to jerk his hand away from the bill. The bird has a disposition like that of the bull-dog, and hangs on with true grit : and, when the hand is pulled away, the bird retains his hold ; and the sudden jerk is the means of breaking the chords of the neck, and the result will be a lingering death. Whenever catching a bird which has a disposition like the Cardinal's, it is better to catch him so that the thumb and forefinger will encircle the neck close to the head : it is then an impossibility for the bird to bite. If by any chance he should obtain a hold on the flesh, never pull the hand away ; as the result oftentimes proves fatal. It is much better to grin and bear it for a whiler even if the nip should be at the tender flesh between the fingers. The bird always, gradually releases the hold on the flesh, and then a safer method of holding him may be tried. The Virginia Cardinal, like all brilliantly colored birds, is apt to lose to a certain 'extent the richness of plumage when confined in a cage for a number of years. This may be remedied by careful attention during the moulting season : if placed in a good, airy place, where an abundance of sunlight may be had, the bird will moult out, and look as brightly as if freshly caught. He is a hardy bird, easily kept, and sings nearly the whole year, being especially lively on dark days. He sings in the evening as well as during the day. Many admirers of the bird declare that the females sing even better than the males. To this we hardly agree : the female's song is very sweet, and has some mellow notes not found in the male's voice ; but it has neither the variety of notes nor the attrac- tive and brilliant arrangement of them that the male possesses. Among domesti- cated birds, which are bred altogether in cages, the plumage of the female is as handsome as that of the male; but among wild birds — particularly those having brilliant colors — one general law exists, that the male has always more elegant colors than the female ; and it is equally true, that the male is the better singer. The females of only a very few species sing at all. Whether one wishes to breed them, or not, it is usually the case that a pair of Redbirds, male and female, is kept together during the whole year. Under these conditions, it is stated, the male sings more ; and as the female, too, sings well, there is a continuous round of delightful melody. Some writers claim that the Redbird surpasses, in singing qualities, every other 112 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. American songster, and insist there is only one bird in the world which is his superior. Probably this decision was reached under peculiarly happy circumstances. Given a fresh June morning, a meandering stream in one of Virginia's lovely val- leys, shut away from the bustling strife and grinding care of business, with the Blue Mountains seeming to lift you up on their high shoulders out of the narrow rut of daily toil, so you are in a half-conscious, half-heavenly state of mind ; then let a flock of gorgeous Cardinal-colored birds flit among the green cedars and greener laurel, some perching on the topmost boughs, while others seek the dense shade be- neath the laurel. The whir of many wings ceases ; not a leaf rustles ; one hears only his own heart beating : then two shrill call-notes startle ; and this signal of the leader is followed by a concerted melody, in which every songster joins. All about. down from loftiest cedar-tops, and up from beneath the dwarf-laurels, the songs are poured in choral floods that sweep away judgment, and leave only sentiment to exclaim, " This bird is a Nightingale ! " But thrusting aside all sentiment, and with calmness comparing this bird's song to that of other greatly admired bird- vocalists, we find, though he may not stand first on the list, he is a most superb second. And when one considers the low price at which he is sold, compared with the amount asked for other songsters, it is easily seen why the bird is so great a favorite, and is so generally kept. They are great favorites in the European countries, where thousands are annu- ally sent. In their wild state they associate with Snow-birds, Sparrows, and numerous other varieties. Their food consists of Indian corn, rice, and oats ; thejT also eat apples or cherries, of which they are specially fond ; they dig through the fruit, and delight in cracking the hard stones ; they also devour large quantities of insects of various kinds. In confinement the Cardinal should be fed on unhulled rice or paddy, mixed in equal parts with hemp or canary seeds. He should daily have a piece of apple, or other ripe fruit or green stuff of some sort ; and two or three times each week, in addition to his regular seeds, he should have a portion of the prepared Mocking- bird food, and two or three meal-worms. Raw, grated beef is also beneficial, and serves as a change. The frequent changes in food are necessary to keep him in good health and song ; and, if carefully observed, he may be kept caged to an old age. He is exceedingly fond of bathing, and the daily bath should not be for- gotten. AVhen first caught, and placed in a cage, the Cardinal is very timid ; for this reason the cage should be kept covered on the top until the bird becomes acquainted. When newly caged he should have very rich food, such as canary or hemp seed, Mocking-bird food, and plenty of green stuff, because his efforts to escape and his timidity cause him to waste away : therefore rich feeding is necessary. He should hang in a quiet place about eight feet from the floor : after a little time he gets accustomed to the new mode of life, and will eagerly seize a meal-worm from the fingers. After two or three months of cage-life he may be allowed to come out of the cage, and will entertain with many tricks and playful ways. The ailments to which the Virginia Cardinal is subject are few, as the bird is naturally very hardy and long lived. Red Cardinal, or Virginia Nightingale Brazilian, or Gray, Cardinal. CARDINALS. 113 Melancholy, or wasting away, is caused by the absence of sunlight, or from being confined in a cage too small for proper exercise. Pure air and sunshine, a roomy, clean cage, and plenty of rich food and green stuffs, will effect a cure quicker than any medicine. Cramps are also frequently seen in this class of birds : they are caused by too frequent bathing, or by bathing in a cold place where the proper aids, sunlight or warmth, for drying off, are wanting. This complaint may be detected by the bird lying on the bottom of the cage, having apparently lost the use of his limbs. He should at once be removed to a dry, warm place, a quantity of sand or gravel should be warmed, and strewn on the bottom of the cage, and a dose of sherry wine should be administered. A preventive of this disease is, to always hang the bird in a sunny exposure or near the stove while he is taking his daily bath. Constipation may be easily cured by giving a few meal-worms dipped in castor- oil, and afterwards an abundance of fresh green food. Diarrhoea is cured by mixing a half- teaspoon ful of brandy with the drinking- water. A large cage is necessary for the Cardinal ; as he is a very sprightly bird, and exceedingly fond of keeping in constant motion. The Gray, or Brazilian, Cardinal is exten- sively seen throughout South America ; and, if his appearance is not as brilliant as the Virginia Cardinal's, the contrast in the various colors of his body make him altogether a very attractive bird. Flocks of these birds frequent the in- habited portions of Brazil, and their regimental uniforms of red caps and gray coats give them a very soldierly look. They are very sprightly birds, easily become tame, and the delightful melody of the song is charming. The Brazilian Cardinal is seven inches in length ; the upper parts of the body and Brazilian Cardinal. tail are dusky gray ; the lower parts vary from clear white to pale gray ; the head and crest are brilliant scarlet ; the beak is conical, and white in color. The female greatly resembles the male ; the difference being in the dark shade of gray on the breast, and the lighter shade of scarlet on the head and crest. The bird was formerly very little known as a cage-bird ; but, as soon as his beautiful qualities became known, they were extensively exported. His notes are not as loud as those of the Virginia Cardinal, but the real music is as sweet. His habits and food when caged are the same as those of the Virginia Cardinal. Although these birds are imported from a very warm climate, they endure well the colder temperature of the North, and are subject to few or no diseases. Their constant activity may partially account for the fact that these birds enjoy long lives, free from the illness to which so many of the tropical birds are subject when con- fined to high latitudes. Pairs breed readily in a roomy aviary if furnished a bush in which to build a 114 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. uest, and suitable small sticks, fine, dry grass, and deer's hair, for the construction of the fabric. Egg and potato is good food for the nestlings, but it may be varied by giving dry prepared Mocking-bird food, with raw carrot grated and mixed with it. Millet-seed soaked so it can be crushed easily between the fingers is also good food during the first four or six weeks of the nestling's life. The Green Cardinal is also imported from Brazil, but is rarely seen in New York. He is sometimes called the Black-crested Cardinal. Though not so showy in feather as his more brilliant cousins, he is a very pretty bird, is gentle, and is more fond of human society than either of the others is. His breast is a light green, back and tail green and black in stripes, and the crest a rich, clear, coal black. He is a little larger than the Gray Cardinal. The proper cage, food, and care are the same as for the other Cardinals. GROSBEAKS. GROSBEAKS. THE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. THIS is a class of birds rarely seen caged ; although they are very attractive in plumage in most cases, and very hardy in a caged state. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is probably the best known, and is more frequently seen throughout the southern New-England States than any other part of the Northern United States. The males are charming songsters, and the demand for them lately has greatly increased. The delightful song, combined with the brilliant plumage, accounts for this growing popularity : moreover, it is rare to find the com- bination of music and beauty existing to such a high degree in any other of our American birds. The Rose-breast is a very shy bird, and cautiously conceals his nest in the thickest shrubbery and underbrush ; so that it is exceedingly difficult for the most skilful" of the bird-catchers to capture specimens. The birds inhabit only local parts, and in no place are they widely distributed. The favorite haunts of these beautiful birds are in the thickets near the rivers and streams of Massachusetts and Connecticut. The male Rose- breasted Grosbeak is eight inches and a half in length : the whole upper parts are black, except the second row of wing-coverts, which are tipped with white. The chin, neck, and upper part of the breast are a brilliant black ; the lower part of the breast and middle of the belly are a handsome tint of rose- color ; the tail is forked and black ; the bill, like all the race of Grosbeaks, is conical, very strong, and pure white ; the legs and feet are light blue. The young males have at first the plumage of the females, but the rosy tint appears after the first moult. In the female the upper parts of the body are streaked with brownish stripes ; and the under parts are of a dusky tinge, and lack the rosy tint observed in the male. The bird migrates South in the fall of the year, and passes the winter in Louisi- ana, Texas, and Mexico, and in May, or in the early part of June, returns to New York and the New-England States to breed. Before the habits of the bird are understood, an ornithologist might think he would hunt through the woods until he saw a specimen ; but, as long as he was in motion, not a Grosbeak would be seen. The bird's favorite abode is in large forests, where he seeks the densest shade and gloomiest retreats : and, if you would study him in his home, take a luncheon with you ; so, if he is not in when you first call, you can await patiently several hours. 116 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. say until sunset, for his return. Then you hear a clear, mellow whistle, and imagine some farmer's boy, who is '• turning the cows " in a distant pasture, is tun- ing his pipe ; but nearer and clearer it sounds : and soon the gorgeous bird, hopping from tree to tree, and whistling all the while his harmonious melody, shows his rose- colored shield on a white and- black ground. A shout of delight almost escapes you ; but smother it ! for this is only the leader ; and, if he is frightened away, all his followers will fly. On come the flocks with heavy, clumsy hops, straying here and there, aimlessly, seeming to care not where they may alight, but giving all attention to the softer modulations of the songs, putting in a rest here and there, as though they expected the very trees should be their claque. The bird maybe called an "evening" Grosbeak, as he sings during the still- ness of the night also ; and the notes at these hours are even more mellow and delightful. The song greatly resembles that of the South-American Troopial : the rich, mellow notes are whistled in a manner which greatly and pleasant!}' surprises one unacquainted with the bird. The Grosbeak readily accommodates himself to cage-life ; and, although a little timid when first caught, he quickly becomes accustomed to his new life, and later pipes as merrily as in his native thickets. It is a matter of wonder among bird- fanciers that he is not more commonly kept caged. It cannot be said of him, as of the Bobolink, and many more of the native birds, that he is too common : on the contrary, he is seldom heard near the habitations of man ; because he enjoys seclusion. Of late years the appreciative bird-fanciers of Europe have noticed the many merits of the Rose-breast, and large numbers are exported in pairs for breed- ing in the Zoological Gardens. It is not known whether or not they will breed readily in cages. If in the proper situation, where they would be safe from intru- sion, and could enjoy the seclusion which their nature seems to demand, they could probably be as easily reared as any other class. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, when caged, has many of the Bobolink's character- istics : he is a merry fellow when well acquainted, and, if given too many dainties, will become as fat and lazy as his more rollicking neighbor of the open fields. His food, when he is first caged, should consist of the plain canary-seed, as the natural timidity and consequent wasting away must be overcome by rich feeding ; as he becomes better accustomed to his cage, unhulled rice may be added. After- wards his daily food may consist of a mixture of unhulled rice, canary and hemp seeds. A portion of Mocking-bird food may be added two or three times each week. He is very fond of green food, apples, or any ripe fruits. A meal-worm or spider may be given him occasionally. Care should be taken that too mucli food should not be given him at one time : it is better to give him a fair portion of food rather than too much, because he has a great desire to eat constantly ; and from this fault his principal disease arises. He is exceedingly fond of bathing, and his daily plunge is always keenly enjoyed. When hung in the warm sunlight, he will dive in and out of his bath with the vigor and carelessness of a dog ; and he has no sooner plumed and dried himself than he plunges in for another ducking ; therefore it is better to withdraw the bath- dish as soon as he has had a fair wash. 117 His diseases are few, mid chiefly arise from high living. The symptoms of dis- ease may be observed by the absence of song and the dumpish appearance of the bird. He is careless of any thing which' goes on around him. When these actions are observed, the bird should be hung in a warm exposure, and fed on the plain, unhulled rice, and a daily portion of green food. A few drops of castor-oil may be administered at first. His diseases are those which are usually observed in the seed-eating class of birds. His cage should be roomy : and, when the weather permits in summer, he may be hung out doors ; as sunlight and fresh air are a great boon to him. If properly cared for, the Rose-breast will live in confinement six or eight years, and be in song about ten months of the year. When all his qualities are con- sidered, he is, without doubt, one of the most desirable of cage-birds. Xuttall, the great ornithologist, claims the Grosbeak is melodious the entire night, pouring out floods of song as varied and enchanting as those of the English Nightingale, and adds that he is the only rival of the Mocking-bird. An opinion such as the above, when given by so eminent an authority, must rank the bird high up in the list of native songsters. THE PINE GROSBEAK. This is the largest specimen of the Grosbeak family, and extensively inhabits the northern portions of the entire globe. They are handsome birds, and but little is known of their habits in a wild state ; as they come from, the most barren countries, and, when visiting the civilized parts of the world, appear to seek the most secluded portions. Indeed, it is said that they are so little experienced in the arti- fices of man, that, if a hunter approaches the trees on which they are perched, they never offer to stir, but will stare at a gun destined for their destruction without thinking of flight, even should one of their companions be shot down from the same branch. The clumsiest kind of a trap is all that is needed to catch the unsus- picious little wanderers. The most touching tales are- told of the affection shown by the Pine Grosbeak for its mate. On one occasion three out of a party of four had been captured, when, to the astonishment of the trappers, the fourth hopped along, and crept into the net to share the fate of his fellows. It must not be imagined that these birds are really foolish ; for experience soon teaches them its lessons, and they become distrustful, shy, and cautious. The Pine Grosbeak is eight inches and a half long ; the head, neck, breast, and rump are carmine, tinged with blue ; from the nostrils a black line runs as far as the eyes ; the feathers of the back and upper wing-coverts are black, edged with red ; the tail is forked, and marked like the wing feathers. The prevailing color of the female is grayish green, tinged here and there, especially on top of the head, with pale red or yellow. The beak resembles that of the Parrot, the upper mandible hanging some dis- tance over the lower. This formation enables it to climb skilfully from branch to branch on the trees. Its flight is very rapid and undulating, and it hovers for some time before perching. 118 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. The voice is exceedingly flute-like and expressive, and not as loud as the Rose- breast's. The song is very varied and pleasing, on account of the soft and clear notes. During the clear summer nights, in its native haunts, he sings throughout the night in such a charming manner that one is compelled to stop and hear the song through again to make sure it is not the utterance of that master singer the English Nightingale on an escapade. On account of these night-serenades, the bird is called, in his native lands, " The Watchman." The Pine Grosbeak, in addi- tion to his splendid voice, has many other good qualities. Owing to his gentle, confiding temperament, he may be easily tamed if properly treated. He becomes in a few days accustomed to confinement, taking food readily from the hand, and will allow himself to be stroked, and carried around the room, all the time piping his happiness and content. Owing to the ignorance of bird-keepers, the Pine Grosbeak when caged is always kept in a warm room. This surely proves fatal ; for, when so kept, he will waste away, and die in a very short time. If shut up in too warm a place, they will climb uneasily around the cage, and open their beaks, and pant, showing how unbearable the heat is to them. It is therefore better to keep them in an uuwarmed room, or hung outside the house. In confinement the plumage loses its brilliancy, and after the first few months' confinement the bright carmine changes to a yellow. In a wild state the Pine Grosbeak subsists on the seeds of the fir-tree. When caged, they should have the same seeds as the Rose-breast. If kept in a cold room, they will live for some three or four years, and sing throughout the entire year. The Pine Grosbeak is often met throughout the New-England States, where he has received the name of Evening Grosbeak. THE BLUE GROSBEAK. Unlike the Pine Grosbeak, this bird is an inhabitant of the warmer regions of the globe, but like him, and, in fact, all the members of the Grosbeak family, seeks retired haunts. He is rarely seen in the northern parts of the United States. Owing to his timidity he is not easily caught. As a cage-bird the Blue Grosbeak is not a success : he has no song whatever, the only note being a single call-note. He has very beautiful plumage, which is kept with the neatness of the Java Sparrow's. The Blue Grosbeak is six inches long; the whole upper parts are a rich purplish blue, more dull on the back, where it is mixed with dusky streaks ; the wings are black, tipped with brown and blue ; the breast is a beautiful dark blue, and the face black ; the tail is forked and black. The female is of a dark drab color tinged with blue throughout. The young male birds do not attain the full color until the second spring moulting. In confine- ment the Blue Grosbeak should receive the same care and treatment as the Rose- breast. Being used to a warm climate, care should be taken not to expose him to the cold which the Pine Grosbeak needs and is capable of enduring. There are some twenty other varieties of the Grosbeak family, which inhabit the various parts of the globe ; and all of them may be distinguished by the peculiar conical formation of the beak. 777 /•; BOBOLINK. 119 THE BOBOLINK. LIKK all mischievous, merry fellows, this jolly reveller has his hosts of friends and a number of enemies. His friends may be divided into classes, — those who enjoy his mad, merry music, his jaunty, showy coat, and sprightly ways, and those who have no taste for music* but who have excellent appetites, and crave Bobolinks on toast. His enemies are the farmers, whose plentiful rice-crops are left in sad plight by his merciless raids : meanwhile Robert grows fat and lazy on the results of his pillage. The Bobolink, when seen in his most showy plumage, is a very attractive bird, and, like all careful lovers, exhibits his best coat only during the days of courtship. The plumage of the male Bob- olink during breeding season is as follows : Upper part of the head, wings, tail, sides of neck, and whole lower parts, are black, the feathers fre- quently skirted with brownish yellow ; back of the head, a cream- color ; back, black seamed with brownish yellow ; scapulars, pure white ; rump and tail coverts the same. The tail is formed like that of the Woodpecker, and often Bobolink. used in the same manner, be- ing thrown in to support the bird while ascending the stalks of the reed. After the breeding season, or about the month of August, the plumage of the male changes ; and he gradually assumes the same garb as worn by the females and young birds. The colors then are : yellowish brown above, brownish yellow below ; upper parts and sides below streaked with black ; wings and tail dusky, with pale edges of the feathers. The male, after having changed plumage, cannot be distin- guished from the female. The length of the Bobolink is seven inches and a half. Early in May, in the Northern States, the Bobolinks' merry chorus is heard ; and, if you walk abroad for an hour amid the fresh fields and pastures, you are greeted, not only from every rail in the fence, but every sighing breeze bears its burden 120 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. of music. Whole flocks strew the way with such a tangle of melody and jangle of music, that your steps are checked, and you listen in admiration to the fullest out- pourings of song. The revelry continues until Robert is sobered by the cares of family matters. Whilst Master Robert, attired in his jaunty spring costume, bubbling over with exhilaration, is attending to nothing but his own sweet appearance and noisy voice, Mrs. Robert is engaged in a more substantial manner, and is thoughtfully tying knots in the grass, to trip the unwary feet of her future lord and master. Bobolinks' nests are concealed in the luxuriant herbage of meadows with such instinctive care for their safety as to be difficult to find, except by accident. In the Western country the saying is, that an Indian can hide behind three blades of grass : the hiding capabilities of a tuft of grass is best illustrated by the screening of a Bobolink's nest, not only from observation, but from actual search. The female is said to employ some artifice in arranging the spires of grass about the structure. In New England she commences to lay about the first of June, and lays four or five eggs, bluish white marked with irregular chocolate-brown spots. Before the summer season is over, the former jolly, handsome fellow assumes the shabby dress of his mate ; and, as though ashamed of himself, he takes his journey south with his numerous progeny, and travels mostly by night during the migration, to elude observation ; and by the latter end of August, or the first of Sep- tember, the final clink-link-a-link is heard, and he is seen no more until the return of spring. On reaching the Southern States he assumes the names of Reed-bird and Rice-bird, and there grows fat and lazy on the abundance of the autumn harvests of rice and oats. It is there that the non-musical portion of Bob's friends, and his injured enemies, join forces ; while shot-guns, cannon, and all sorts of weapons for extermination, are brought into use. Then sad slaughter comes ; and the shot- riddled innocents hang head downwards, voiceless, in the fowl market-places. It appears that the breeding-places of the Bobolinks are in the more northerly latitudes, and that they merely migrate South for the purpose of finding more abundant food and a more congenial climate. Robert o' Lincoln is one of the few birds which may be transferred from field to cage, and, in the process, lose none of his sprightly ways and inspiring song. Put him in some small, rusty old cage, so confining that he can only step from perch to floor, and let him be thrust into some dark corner of a narrow, dingy room, it all matters not to him : his "Bob-o-link, Bob-o-link, Spink, spank, spink," is sure to be heard, given with the same vim as though he entertained a king in a palace, or were free to swing "On briar and weed, Near to the nest of his little dame, Over the mountain-side or mead." In his wild state, during the spring and summer seasons, the Bobolink subsists almost wholly on insects ; later in the season the food is seeds and grain : he is, however, not in the least a dainty fellow, but will thrive and grow stout on the T1IK BOBOLL\/\. 121 poorest of foods. When caged, the principal seeds given him are the canary and initialled rice mixed ; as the canary-seed is very fattening, too much of it should not be given him : and, when he is noticed to be in a gouty condition, the canary-seed should be withdrawn, and only the uuhulled rice fed. He has a most voracious appetite, and overeating is the cause of all his diseases : therefore, when giving him his daily seeds, feed only in small quantities. He enjoys all the physical comforts you may offer, accepts greedily any dainties, tumbles lazily into the bath-tub, rolls out again in a seemingly contented frame, and sings himself dry in the sunniest spot he can find. Then he ploughs through the gravel, finds a piece that he thinks is heavy enough to hold down that last too solid luncheon, swallows it, then sings again. Time seems very precious to the Bobolink ; lie makes the most of every moment : he eats many hearty meals during the day, and each one is apparently enjoyed more than its predecessor ; but, when he is not eating, he is singing. The chief ailment to guard against is gluttony, — his habits of eating : if too much and too rich food is given him, it will interfere with his song, and render him fit only for the cook's hands. The Bobolink, when caged, cannot possibly obtain the exercise which is necessary to keep him from growing fat ; and, therefore, the simplest food, and no dainties, should be given. He will obtain supply enough from the plain food to make up for any deficiency hi the dainties. A good-sized cage should be given him, and a plentiful supply of gravel furnished. The daily bath should not be neglected ; because, with all his lazy habits, Robert is an extremely clean bird, and delights in a fresh dress every day. He is not a fit inmate for an aviary ; because, with his love of eating, he would quickly starve the other inmates out of prison. For breeding purposes he is rarely used ; and, until the farmers find a method of partly exterminating his almost numberless race, he will probably be allowed to choose his own native breeding-place. The cheap cost of the Bobolink, combined with his sociable manners and charm- ing song, certainly render him a very attractive cage-bird ; but his very numbers, and domesticated habits, when wild, guard him against trapping for this purpose : he is rarely seen caged in the country villages or towns. What need of caging one when before every house a whole chorus, continually changing, is heard day after day? In the city bird-shops they may always be found, and are always greeted as old friends when the country folk pay a visit to the town. Many amusing mistakes are made by the change of plumage of the Bobolink, and many people who only know him in his spring suit are surprised at his compara- tively shabby condition when seen in his winter garb. An old friend, who supposed himself to be a bird-fancier, was induced to buy one in this condition of plumage : and although he insisted that the bird was a linnet, — an absurd mistake, by the way, — he finally bought him, and, because the bird did not sing in two days, opened the window, and permitted the bird to fly ; thus losing a fine songster, to say nothing of a most delicious meal. It was some time before the earlier naturalists could be induced to accept the theory that the male Bobolinks changed their plumage and resembled the females in the autumn ; although they could not, at the same time, account for the heartless conduct of the males in deserting their mates, and seeking unknown regions. There is a great difference in the voices of Nightingales, just the same as in a great many classes of song-birds. This difference cannot be easily accounted for : it may be that the teaching of the inferior-singing Nightingales has been defective ; in other cases, where the Nightingale is reared in forests where various song-birds abound, he has been excited by rivalry or jealousy to perfect his own song to the highest degree : and these peculiarities may be transmitted from generation to gen- eration. The same conditions of rivalry do not exist in all. the different parts of the world which the Nightingale inhabits, therefore there is the difference in the voices of birds of the same species which grow up under different circumstances. This rivalry of the choice songsters extends to the small districts where they are trapped, and bird-lovers of one district may claim a superiority for the birds of their own country over these of a neighboring one. Many discussions have arisen as to the relative merits of the English Nightingale and the American Mocking-bird. It is admitted that both birds are the leading representatives in song of the countries which they represent. Perhaps the discussion will never be fully decided ; for it is almost impossible to compare the songs of the two birds, they are so unlike in style. The Nightingale probably rivals the Mocking-bird in the power, brilliancy, and quality of the natural notes ; but, while a mimic in a small degree, he cannot bear compar- ison with the Mocking-bird in this respect. As the styles of the songs are so widely different, it would, perhaps, be as well to allow them to stand, each as a representa- tive of a style peculiarly his own, and not bring them into competition. A Nightingale is often induced to sing in confinement by the jealousy created by being hung near some other constant good singer. The rivalry thus created puts the king to his best efforts ; and by this means he is kept in song many months in the year, when otherwise he would be silent. The Nightingale, when kept in good health and spirits, remains in song about eight months of the year. The song is not sung with the same zeal throughout the entire period of singing : it is during the mating season the song of the bird is the most beautiful. In the wild state, owing to the migratory character of the bird, and the absence of song at certain seasons of the year, he is heard only about three months out of the twelve. The food of the Nightingale, when first caged, should be of the most nourishing kind possible. He is an exceedingly sensitive, nervous bird ; and stimulating food is a necessity to him. The Nightingale paste, as given in " Recipes," is the best food. When first confined, he should also daily have in addi- tion, for about two weeks, three or four meal-worms. Gradually add the regular prepared Mocking-bird food to the mixture, so that he may become accustomed to it. To feed nothing but the prepared food and carrot at first, would be the means of bringing on, perhaps, a fatal sickness. After he has been gradually induced to eat the prepared food, the mixture may be withdrawn ; and ants' eggs, scalded until soft and swollen, should be daily added to the prepared food and carrot. The meal-worms should not be given too freely when he is accustomed to the prepared food ; but two or three at a time, twice or three times each week, is sufficient for him. In addition to this, a great variety of other food may be given him. Currants thoroughly soaked, and placed on top of the food, are a healthy and attractive dish. Ripe berries or fruits in their seasons, may be frequently given as a change, although they should not be allowed to grow sour or stale while remaining in the cage. Of live 1^3 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. insects he is exceedingly fond ; and spiders, grubs, or worms of any kind, are eagerly devoured by him. His appetite is enormous, and he will easily devour and digest as much food as a bird twice his size. He is a very tender-footed bird ; by this I mean that his feet, if not properly attended to, become easily diseased : therefore an abundance of dry, fresh gravel should be constantly kept in the bottom of the cage. His feathers are very soft, and become easily damaged from contact with the wires of the cage ; and if, when first received, his plumage is damaged from being confined in a cage of too narrow limits, he should daily receive a shower-bath of tepid water. The perches should not be too close together, and kept far enough from the wires of his cage so that he may not break his tail-feathers. In countries where the bird's care is best under- stood, he is confined in a cage about 18 inches long, 8 inches deep, and 13 inches high. The back may be of wood : and, whether the top is of wood or wire, it should be lined with cloth ; so the bird, in flying up, shall not injure his plumage. The bath should be freely given ; as his plumage requires daily dressing and arran- ging, owing to its texture, and the ease with which it becomes soiled and spoiled if not frequently bathed. The cage should be hung in a sunny exposure, free from all draughts of air : under these conditions the bird's life is prolonged. He is a much hardier bird than he is thought to be ; and, if rich food is freely given, his chances of life are as good as those of any cage-bird. The Nightingale breeds easily in confinement ; and the principal objects which insure success are, plenty of room, quiet, and an abundance of egg-food, insects, and worms. The diseases to which the Nightingale is subject are, chiefly, constipation, diar- rhoea, colds, asthma, decline, or melancholy. Constipation is caused by sour food, or feeding too much prepared food without any addition or change. The drooping appearance of the bird, and his constant uneasiness, betray this. Administer three or four drops of castor-oil in the begin- ning, and let his daily rations of worms be soaked in oil before being fed him. Feed an abundance of soaked ants' eggs, and green foods, until he is thoroughly cured. Too much prepared food should not be given until some time after the cure is assured. Diarrhoea comes usually from filthy drinking-cups, to which particles of vege- table matter have adhered and grown poisonous. Owing to the abundance and changes of food which is given the Nightingale, the drinking-water easily becomes impure ; for this reason frequent cleansing of the cups is absolutely necessary. Diarrhoea is noticed by the watery excrement. The bird should be put on food which consists of hard-boiled egg, grated carrot, and the prepared food in equal parts, the whole thoroughly sprinkled with maw-seed. Put a few drops of laudanum or paregoric in the drinking-water, and he will be relieved in a short time by this course of treatment. His food should afterwards be of the richest character. Colds and Asthma result in hanging the bird in draughts of air. If taken in time, before the disease becomes too firmly seated, he may be cured : if, from neg- lect, the disease is allowed to continue, it is difficult and almost impossible to cure. Only the richest foods must t>e given ; and the bird should be hung in a warm, dry THE ENGLISH NIGHTINGALE. place, the cage being covered at night. Add glycerine and a small piece of rock- candy daily to his drinking-water. Decline, or Melancholy, is caused, first, by neglect, or ignorance in feeding the bird : the ignorance consists in giving the bird only the plain prepared food with no change, which causes a gradual decline, or wasting away of the body. It may come, secondly, from natural causes during mating season, or from the absence of song- birds in the vicinity. The Nightingale is fond of rivalry ; and birds, if hung in his neighborhood, are welcome friends. Rich food in abundance, and a little extra attention, are usually the remedies for this disease. The Nightingale's feet require frequent attention, and should be examined at least once a week, and, if they have a dirty or clogged appearance, should be care- fully cleaned, and bathed in warm water. Bathe afterwards with glycerine if the feet appear sore. In the past three or four years the sale of these birds has greatly increased, because lovers of the grandest and sweetest bird-music have learned how to so care for the performer as to elicit from him most charming melodies. He has a natural song, and, like the American Mocking-bird, is also a mimic. His cage may hang by itself in a less frequented part of the bird-room ; but, the more singers there are in the same room for him to contend with and surpass, the wider will be his range of voice. When carefully attended to, the Nightingale will live in good health and song to the age of fifteen years. THE ASS -AND THE NIGHTINGALE. FROM THK RUSSIAN OF KRILOV. An Ass a Nightingale espied, And shouted out, " Holloa ! holloa ! good friend I Thou art a first-rate singer, they pretend : Now let me hear thee, that I may decide. I really wish to know — the world is partial ever — If thou hast this great gift, and art indeed so clever." The Nightingale began her heavenly lays, Through all the regions of sweet music ranging, Varying her song a thousand different ways, — Rising and falling, lingering, ever changing, Full of wild rapture now, then sinking oft To almost silence, melancholy, soft, As distant shepherd's pipe at evening's close ; Strewing the wood with lovelier music ; there All nature seems to listen and repose ; No zephyr dares disturb the tranquil air; All other voices of the grove are still. And the charmed flocks lie down beside the rill. The shepherd like a statue stands, afraid His breathing may disturb the melody; 128 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. His finger, pointing to the harmonious tree. Seems to say, " Listen ! " to his favorite maid. The singer ended; and our critic bo\v<-