12 THE CANARY BIRD. 



is a curious fact, that the Mealy bird may be 

 distinguished at six days old, by the invari- 

 able appearance of fine feathers on the crest 

 of the ilium, which are not developed by the 

 Jonquil in any case. 



The union of the Mealy and the Jonquil, 

 is considered favorable to the production of 

 pure birds ; but if two strong birds are asso- 

 ciated, the result will be an overcharge of 

 color in the offspring. 



Another unfavorable consequence apper- 

 taining to the union of two Jonquils, appears 

 when the union is continued, in a deteriora- 

 tion of the web of the feathers, which be- 

 come frizzled and insufficient to cover the 

 body, and the proper complement of tail and 

 wing feathers will be wanting. 



MATCHING. 



Depth and richness of the orange color, is 

 at present the prevailing taste in endeavoring 

 to form a good match. In breeding fancy 

 birds, a system so much practised in England, 

 and on the Continent, and which is now 

 rapidly extending in America, the grand re- 

 quisite is a regular and well feathered hen, 

 on which every thing else depends. But 

 the qualities of the cock to which she is to 

 be united, ought not to be neglected. He, 

 to have a good progeny, even with the hen, 

 ought to be bold, strong, and sprightly, with 

 bright and sparkling eyes, erect carriage, 

 symmetrical form, and sparrow-hawk-like 

 posture on the perch. The m9st promising 



