34 The Canary. 



announcing a grand annual show of Belgian canaries, 

 which was to take place last Whit-Saturday, at a 

 certain public-house in this town, whose landlord gives 

 £4 10s., on condition that the show is held at his 

 house, that he have the appointment of the judges, that 

 the birds shown remain for exhibition until the night 

 following the day of showing — which, of course, is 

 Sunday — and that every member spend Qd. each 

 monthly meeting night, which, I am sorry to add, is 

 also on a Sunday, previous to the show, whether he 

 be present or not. 



Now, objectionable as much of this is, it is worse 

 than useless to rail at the amusements of the people, 

 unless we provide them with others equally attractive. 

 By a little countenance from the classes above them, 

 and by a little judicious management and attention, 

 surely a recreation so harmless in itself might be divested 

 of the attendant evils at present surrounding it, and 

 made subservient to the education and refinement of 

 the people. The free use of one or more rooms con- 

 nected with our public institutions, and the giving of a 

 few pounds towards the prizes, like the worldly-wise 

 publican above, would surely induce these poor men to 

 hold their meetings during the week day, and leave the 

 Sabbath for bodily rest and spiritual sustenance of their 

 soul. By so doing, I, for my part, cannot but believe 

 that much would be done towards counteracting the 

 attractions of the public-house and its attendant evils, 

 much towards enabling the working classes to overcome 

 the pernicious habit of frequenting them, much towards 

 fostering in their breasts a love for healthier and purer 



