The Norwich Fancy. 287 



are bred in a prescribed manner which I shall point out 

 presently they soon deteriorate both in size, form, and colour. 



TRIMMING. There is an amazing amount of trickery carried 

 on with marked birds by exhibitors whose conscientious scruples 

 are so infinitesimal as in no way to disturb their equanimity, so 

 that honest fanciers have but a Very meagre chance of success, 

 for those who are experienced manipulators in doctoring these 

 birds can make a moderately good bird almost faultless. Eye- 

 markings can be put on or enlarged as occasion requires by 

 using a preparation of the nitrate of silver ; foul wing and tail 

 feathers are extracted and substituted by others. This is done 

 by cutting the feathers short off through the quill, leaving a 

 socket; corresponding feathers from other birds (not good 

 enough to show) are extracted and fitted in, and secured with a 

 little thin glue or solution of gum arabic. These and other 

 similar devices are frequently resorted to, so that judges re- 

 quire to be on the alert ; but many of these transformations arf 

 so skilfully and dexterously accomplished as to defy detection. 



MARKING BIRDS. Breeders of canaries on an extensive scale 

 are sometimes necessitated to place birds of the same variety, 

 but of distinct breeds, in a large flight cage together. When 

 this happens, each bird should be marked in one or other of its 

 wings, separately, and a record of such markings should be kept 

 in the diary. Say, for example, all birds of No. 1 pair are 

 marked with a notch made in one of the webs of the two first 

 flight feathers of the left wing ; the produce of No. 2 pair^ two 

 notches in each feather ; those of No. 3 pair, three notches, and 

 so on, making use of both wings if required. These marks are 

 made with a pair of ordinary scissors ; but, as much depends on 

 being able to identify the different birds for crossing, the greatest 

 care in the performance of this duty is necessary. Never resort 

 to any part of the bird other than the wings for making these 

 marks of identity. The tail feathers are so easily knocked out. 



BREEDING. In selecting stock to breed Clear Norwich from, 

 you ought to procure a few superior birds; be sure to purchase 

 them from well-established fanciers of good repute and inte- 

 grity ; by this means you are mo* likely to succeed in getting 



