The Modern Scotch Fancy. 243 



in high-class specimens, Scotch fanciers have been able to 

 overcome many obstacles, and to breed out the defects 

 noticeable in earlier specimens. 



The great advantage of the present improved race over the 

 old-fashioned " Glasgow Don" the name by which it was 

 originally known, but which I took the liberty to widen and 

 extend when I wrote my book by giving the broader, and 

 I think more effective title of the " Scotch Fancy " has been 

 accomplished by blending with the old variety the most 

 admirable qualities of the Belgian canary," this cross tending 

 to improve the style, contour, and symmetry, as well as the 

 ease and grace peculiar to these birds, which in reality con- 

 stitute their chief features and individuality. One of the 

 greatest difficulties to overcome by breeders has been deli- 

 cacy of constitution, which arose in consequence of the use 

 of the Belgian cross, these birds being naturally delicate and 

 prone to disease, such as asthma and consumption. To a 

 great extent this difficulty has now been overcome by care 

 and judicious selection. The old Dons are a hardy, vigorous 

 race of birds, and the cross with them and the Belgians has 

 added vigour and robustness to the present breed (which some 

 fanciers term the Scotia-Belgian Canary), many of which are 

 strong, vigorous birds, and full of life and vivacity. They 

 have likewise no doubt been greatly invigorated by acclima- 

 tisation and a more effectual method of feeding than is prac- 

 tised in Belgium. The groats given by Scotchmen to their 

 birds add to the enlargement and strengthening of frame and 

 muscle elements that are wanting in the sylph-like creatures 

 that are so admired by the Belgians. 



It is now about seventeen years since the first edition of 

 the "Canary Book" appeared, and in it I strove hard to 

 create among all lovers of the canary a special interest in this 

 particular variety, and I feel gratified that my efforts should 

 have borne such good fruit. But our English fanciers have 

 much to learn before they can hope to compete with Scotia's 

 sons on the show bench, as they are not all fully aware of 

 the characteristics most esteemed and valued, neither are they 



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