The Glasgow Don, or Scotch Fancy. 239 



there are occasionally classes made for pairs at most of the leading 

 shows, such as Glasgow. It will be observed that separate 

 classes are provided for the females, as it is contended that they 

 do not possess a fair chance when competing against masculine 

 opponents ; but our brethren across the border can easily afford 

 to do this, seeing that they rarely give classes for any other 

 description of canaries, unless it be .for Belgian Fancy and the 

 common variety. The meaning of the terms "flecked" and 

 " piebald " is that the birds are marked or variegated in colour. 

 In some of the midland counties of England the word " skewed " 

 is used to signify the same thing. 



The enthusiasm displayed by the Scotch people for these 

 birds is most wonderful, and the number of entries at some 

 of their best shows is marvellous. I have known as many as 

 fifty-eight buff hens competing in one class. One other fact is 

 probably worthy of note, and that is that Scotchmen like, as the 

 Irishmen put it, " a power o' judges ; " for, at the show held in 

 Glasgow, on the 21st of November, 1868, there were no fewer 

 than twelve judges appointed to officiate, the total number of 

 birds exhibited on that occasion being 428. 



POINTS. There is a difference of opinion, even among 

 Scotchmen, as to the " style " of their favourite birds, and this 

 is accounted for by dividing the fanciers into what they them- 

 selves have been pleased to designate the " old school " and the 

 "new school." The former belong to that class of people who 

 have a great aversion to changes, hence they still appreciate 

 the little old-fashioned Don, whilst the latter are the go-a- 

 heads that are always striving to get something better than 

 their neighbours. I belong to the latter class, and for this 

 reason I purpose giving the best description I can of the Scotch 

 Fancy canary of the present day, and which is considered to be 

 the beau ideal of a Glasgow Don by those who are looked 

 upon as the best authorities on this subject. 



Length of bird from 6in. to 7^in. ; a few, but not many, may 

 possibly exceed these dimensions; head small and flat on the 

 crown, but full of character, with neatly rounded cheeks ; neck 

 long and fine ; and gracefully arched shoulders rather promi- 

 nent ; back narrow and long, and well filled up, tapering from the 



