84 THE ROLLER ‘CANARY 
syllables are sung discreetly and in moderation, and 
loses in value when they are too hasty, ragged, with 
frequent repetition in one long succession. A good bird 
should not sing more than four flutes on one note 
(du-du-du-du). If he changes his key, however, the song 
is enhanced, and in spite of the length, the effect may be 
beautiful (du-du-du-dii-dii-dii-do-do). 
Flutes belong to the class of simplest tours. Looking 
upon a bird’s tours collectively as one performance, flutes 
may heighten the general effect, as, for instance, a finish 
to Schockel and Hollow Bell, or in a transition from 
Hollow tours into Bass, or when deep, as a prelude to 
the song. 
A PLEASING CHANGE IN SONG 
When introduced at the right time in the right place 
they make a pleasing change in the division of the song, 
forming a bridge between the Roll tours and the Bell 
tours, or vice versa. On the other hand, many flutes 
interspersed here and there spoil the song and interfere 
with the unfolding of the other tours. 
As simple, monosyllabic tours, flutes have little 
importance from a strain-breeding point of view, but, 
being tours of accompaniment, and seeing that, in spite 
of their great variety, they must not be too plentiful nor 
be too conspicuous in any single performance, their 
possible scoring points should be fairly high on the 
judging standard. Points should also be reckoned in the 
general effect column, for or against, according to the 
manner in which they are introduced and in so far as 
they spoil or enhance the effect. 
