THE WHIDAH BIRD. 



495 



in the garret of the poor seamstress with as much energy as in the 

 gorgeous saloons of the wealthy. 



There are two distinct species of the Canary, the Plain and 

 Variegated, or as the bird-fanciers designate them, the Mealy or 

 Spangled, and Jonquils ; but between these innumerable varieties 

 have sprung up from cross-breeding with the Goldfinch, Linnet, and 

 Siskin. These cross-breeds are often charming songsters ; but, like 



Fig, 213. Whidah Birds. 



all mules, they are completely sterile. Bechstein is of opinion that 

 our Domestic Canary has a cross of the Siskin in it ; this belief for 

 a long time existed, but most naturalists now are of opinion that such 

 is not the case. 



The Whidah Birds, of which the Vidua paradisea (Fig. 213) is 

 the best known, are among the most remarkable of the hard-billed, 

 seed-eating birds to which they belong. The long, drooping tail- 

 feathers which adorn the males in the breeding season give them 

 a very singular appearance. The upper part of their plumage is of a 



