CANARY-BIRD. 43 



ing, frequently turning sour before they are 

 fed the second time. The remains should, 

 however, always be taken away and re- 

 placed with fresh food of the same kind 

 at each succeeding feed. The chick-weed, 

 lettuce or cabbage also becomes wilted or 

 withered, and is thus rendered unfit for 

 use. Should the old ones be suffered to 

 feed their young on this decayed and 

 nauseous substance, the growth of the 

 chicks will be delayed, and they, instead 

 of becoming regular, straight, taper and 

 strong birds, will be weak, large bellied, 

 and never worth half the price or esteem 

 they would otherwise obtain. They should 

 also have at this season, lettuce and wild 

 plantain-seed, when it can be obtained, 

 upon the medicinal qualities of which, I 

 have before commented. 



You must also carefully note the sort of 

 food the old birds most prefer, and then 

 allow them a greater portion of that pecu- 

 liar kind; for the less the young are fed 

 on the soft and green food the better, as 



