10 THE CANARY. 



the sunshine brighter ; and we have often fancied 

 we could see the golden rays darting and flashing, 

 and keeping time to their warblings. 



No doubt, when Eve wandered through Eden, and 

 Adam wove her a bower of blushing roses, that the 

 birds sang the self-same tune which they do now, 

 and that the angels often listened when they 

 "walked in the garden in the cool of day." 



In all ages, in all countries, as far back as we 

 have any record of time, the singing of birds has 

 given delight to mankind ; and they must many 

 a time have gladdened the hearts of Noah and his 

 family, when he sailed over the wild waste of waters 

 in his ark; and the children that were with him 

 would listen, and recall the green nestling places 

 then deep down beneath the waves, where the sweet- 

 voiced birds built and sang. 



The wildwood hath its minstrels sweet, 



That fill the forest-aisles with joy ; 

 And oft we seek their loved retreat, 



To listen to the singers coy. 

 But not to woods need we repair 



To hear the sweet canary's song : 

 He trills his clear and varied air 



In quiet homes or city throng. 

 He loves our kindness and our praise, 

 And gladly cheers our darkest days. 



Mary Helen Boodey. 



Europeans have never known, to a certainty, the 

 exact date of introduction of this charming warbler. 



