CHAPTER XI. 



THE MANCHESTER COPPY. 



SINCE the publication of the first edition of "The Canary 

 Book '* a marked improvement has taken place in the estimation 

 of fanciers with regard to this variety. Instead of this breed of 

 birds being confined, as heretofore, almost entirely to the 

 county of Lancaster, and few or no classes being provided for 

 them at some of the principal shows in the United Kingdom, now 

 a very extensive and active demand for them has been created 

 in all parts of the country. This is owing in a great measure 

 to the fact of their now being much used to cross with the 

 Norwich crested variety to gain size in body, and to increase 

 and improve the form of the crests of the birds, and classes for 

 " Coppies " are now made by the committees of all shows with 

 any pretension to be considered " leading shows." 



The true Coppy is a large, noble looking bird, and very 

 commanding in appearance. It had its origin in and around 

 the town of Manchester, and was first introduced to public 

 notice under the name of the " Manchester Coppy." These 

 birds are extensively bred in the town just named, and likewise 

 at Oldham, Rochdale, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Stalybridge, and 

 from these towns the best specimens are derived. 



ORIGIN. The Coppy canaries originated from the old Dutch 

 variety, now almost extinct, and which they very greatly 

 resemble in size and general conformation. The crest or 

 " coppy " has no doubt been the result of an extraneous cros& 

 with some other variety possessing this appendage, as we never 



