210 The Canary Book. 



amusement, I know of none where more gratification and enjoy- 

 ment are likely to be found. 



INTRODUCTION. Hitherto, I have failed to meet with any 

 record giving an account of the first introduction of the canary 

 into England, but Willoughby, in his " History of Birds," states 

 that canaries were quite common in his time ; and Gesner, who 

 wrote in 1585, likewise mentions them. Aldrovandus, who pub- 

 lished a work on "Ornithology" in 1610, gives a fair description 

 of this bird (vide vol. ii., page 355). It is said, on good authority, 

 that canaries were first introduced into England from Italy, and 

 1 believe this statement has never been contradicted. There are, 

 however, a great many different varieties of this elegant and 

 charming bird, and since the introduction of the " All-England" 

 exhibitions, the first of which took place in 1858, this 

 fancy has made considerable head- way.* 



The canary is to be found in a wild state in some parts of 

 Southern Africa, and also in several of the islands in the 

 Atlantic Ocean, including St. Helena, Ascension, and the Cape 

 Yerde Islands, as also in the Canary Islands. It is stated by an 

 early writer on this subject that these birds found their way to 

 the latter islands by accident. A ship, bound for Leghorn, 

 having on board a number of these birds, foundered near the 

 islands, and through this circumstance they were set at liberty. 

 They found the climate sufficiently genial to induce them to 

 breed, and by this means they became thoroughly acclimatised. 

 These birds bear a striking resemblance in size, form, and 

 marking to the ordinary linnet of our own country, but the 

 ground or body colour is green, which is almost the only differ- 

 once observable. They are frequently brought to this country by 

 sailors from Santa Cruz and Teneriffe. They are much famed 

 for the excellence of their song, which is exceedingly soft and 

 melodious, differing materially from the canaries bred and reared 

 in this country. The bird from which our illustration has been 

 taken was the property of Madame Galeo, of London. It was 

 brought from the island of St. Helena, and although wild when 

 she got it, it became tame and tractable. It is said to have been 



* I believe the first All England Open Show was got up by Mr. Ruter, Mr. Clark, and 

 aiy *el i', at Sunderland, I acting as secretary. 



