Our Belgians. 45 



however, that distinguishes this elegant breed from all 

 others is their high square shoulders, and erect position 

 when standing on their perch as represented in our 

 illustration. This gives them a remarkable and pecu- 

 liar appearance, which is produced by the pinions of 

 their wings being placed higher up on their backs than 

 those of any other variety, and which thus consequently 

 distinguishes them from all others. 



Though so much esteemed by Fanciers, and fetching 

 far higher prices than any other breed, it is surprising 

 how seldom and briefly they are mentioned by those 

 who have written specially upon the subject. Bechstein 

 says literally nothing about them at all, whilst all the 

 authors of the present day it has been our fortune to 

 meet with, either follow his example, or their remarks 

 are so short and so general, if not absolutely untrue, 

 that it is clear they can have little practical acquaintance 

 with this department of their subject. Thus, a popular 

 London writer who was, at one time, regarded as a great 

 authority on the subject, writes thus, " Of late years 

 the Belgian canaries have come into repute with some 

 fanciers. They are long-bodied, and anything but 

 elegant in form and carriage. They are, however, 

 strong, healthy birds, and by pairing a cock of that 

 breed with a Norfolk or Yorkshire hen, which is of a 

 more compact shape for sitting on the eggs, a fine race 

 is the issue. Their song does not excel that of the 

 breeds just mentioned, but they assist in forming a 

 variety." Having thus oracularly delivered himself he 

 then dismisses the whole subject as unworthy any 

 further notice whatever. Now, if we state that the 



