112 The Canary Book. 



birds of a totally different species. Nevertheless, in other 

 cases it has been found literally impossible to effect an alliance 

 of this kind, even despite repeated and protracted efforts to 

 bring about a union ; and although the birds have been kept 

 in close communion with each other, and apart from all other 

 birds, not the slightest traces of regard for each other could be 

 discerned. 



Presuming that you have been successful in obtaining a race 

 of "sib-bred" canary hens and a few select goldfinches, turn 

 them into flight cages together about the month of November; 

 but, before doing so, satisfy yourself that the goldfinches will 

 eat canary seed, or rape and canary mixed. 



NEWLT-CAUOHT GOLDFINCHES. It not unfrequently happens 

 that newly-caught birds of this species refuse to eat seeds of 

 the description named, and many of them sulk and repine- 

 especially old birds that have bred in the open air with hens 

 of their own tribe ; these birds are not only deprived of their 

 liberty and their domestic partners in life, but the sudden 

 changes of scene and food are so great that a complete 

 revolution in their systems is begun, and so powerful is the 

 change that in many cases their lives are seriously jeopardised 

 thereby. It is therefore advisable for a time to give them a 

 mixture of hemp, millet, maw, and linseed, and if thistles are 

 procurable, a few of the tops should be given them, together 

 with a little dock seed, which is plentiful in most places not 

 under rigid cultivation; a cabbage or lettuce leaf, or a little 

 groundsel, may also be given with advantage, and a little white 

 bread soaked in milk. 



MATING. After they become accustomed to their new mode 

 of life, it will be necessary gradually to discontinue giving them 

 those luxuries, and the ordinary food supplied to the canaries 

 will be found sufficient, although some birds will almost starve 

 ere they submit to this fare; there are others who take to it 

 quite readily, and these are the birds which generally prove 

 most valuable as mule breeders. As soon as you are convinced 

 that the finches will subsist on the ordinary canary diet, placo 



