34 



CHAPTEE YI. 



EDUCATION OF THE YOUNa. 



The singiog of the canary is strong and varied, 

 continuing uninterrupted, except at the time of moult- 

 ing, during the year, and even this exception is not 

 general. Some birds also sing during the night. 



The female, particularly in spring, sings also, but 

 only a few unconnected and unmusical sounds. Oldv^ 

 ones which have done breeding often sing in this way 

 at all seasons. 



Sometimes, even before they leave the nest, the 

 young males begin to warble ; and as they are won- 

 derfully quick at imitating all sounds, it is important 

 to place them, as soon as they can feed themselves, in 

 separate cages, and within hearing of a first-rate song- 

 bird , whose notes they will immediately acquire. Grreat 

 care should be taken to prevent their listening to any 

 bad singing or harsh sounds, as they are adept learners, 

 and will readily introduce such defects into their 

 song. 



Should it be desirable to instruct them to imitate 



