CANARY-BIRD. 35 



on the hard board, would certainly be 

 killed. 



It is better, in placing your birds in the 

 cage at first, to give them but one breed- 

 ing-box, as they are frequently puzzled to 

 make a choice, and carry the materials 

 for building from one to the other; a 

 circumstance which is always a loss of 

 time, and a disappointment to the breeder. 

 When the first nest is finished, and the 

 hen commences sitting, the other box may 

 be inserted; although I think it would be 

 advisable to defer it until after the young 

 are hatched, and indeed recommend the 

 making of the nest by the raiser himself 

 for the second brood, as it preserves the 

 birds from unnecessary fatigue, and suf- 

 fers them to commence operations much 

 sooner. The shape should approach as 

 nearly as possible to that of the one made 

 by the Canaries themselves; though that 

 is of little consequence, as if it be not 

 agreeable, they will soon alter it to suit 

 their taste. 



