CHAPTER XIII. 



THE CINNAMON. 



THESE birds have derived their name from their peculiar 

 colour, which greatly resembles that of cinnamon bark used 

 for culinary purposes, although it is much deeper and richer in 

 hue. It is an old-established variety, and its origin, like that 

 of the Lizard canary, is beyond the knowledge of the present 

 generation. It is a breed that has always been regarded with 

 much favour among what I may call the educated fanciers ; by 

 this term I mean men who have made canaries a daily study for 

 years. There is something about them quite uncommon in 

 appearance something totally unlike any of the other recog- 

 nised varieties in the colour of their plumage ; and, although the 

 tint is somewhat quiet and sober, it is nevertheless peculiarly 

 pleasing and attractive. Some twenty years ago the colour of 

 these birds was much less brilliant than it is found among those 

 of the present day, as a rule, for since the introduction of the 

 Norwich Fancy blood into their veins their charms have been 

 considerably enhanced. Indeed, so grave and sombre-looking, 

 so thoroughly drabbv were these birds in appearance at one 

 time, that they gained the names of " Quaker " and " Dun " 

 canaries. 



If I were to begin to extol the variegated Cinnamons ns much 

 as I consider they deserve to be, the probabilities are that some 

 person might feel disposed to remind me that they were merely 

 cross-breeds. Just so ; but it is well to remember that some cross- 

 bred animals are highly prized, and to give an instance in point 



