18 THE CANARY BIRD. 



her ; it is sufficient that he should hear her 

 cry, and he will not cease to call her. The 

 same observation is also applicable to the fe- 

 male. 



In some cases, however, all these sources 

 of sympathy seem to be dried up within 

 them, and an immediate antipathy, which no 

 endearment nor fond caress can overcome, 

 appears to have usurped its place. By no 

 contrivance can such canaries be brought to 

 pair. More cocks than hens appear thus 

 constituted, and these cocks are generally 

 found to be the best singers. 



Either cock or hen will, in general circum- 

 stances, very readily take up with another 

 mate. It is also evident that their attachment 

 is not confined to those of their own kind, as 

 the beautiful variety of mules which has 

 sprung from the canary and other tribes of 

 finches abundantly testifies. 



The birds having at length been success- 

 fully paired, all now depends upon season, 

 situation, and cage. 



SEASON. 



With regard to the season, we have already 

 said it is better to be too early than too late. 

 If March has been cold, and no favorable 

 change takes place in April, they should be 

 kept back as long as possible, as in such a 

 season the hen is apt to become egg-bound, 

 or lay soft eggs : in one case her life is en- 

 dangered ; in the other, her strength is wasted 

 in vain. 



