Canary Societies y and Close and Open Shows. 377 



pastime; and this is, in my opinion, the only drawback to 

 these and other kindred societies, as they are calculated to 

 lead men into habits of intemperance; but where an "open" 

 or " all England " show society exists this evil can be obviated 

 almost entirely. As it is my intention to give all the details 

 connected with the different systems of managing each, it is 

 not necessary for me to offer any further remarks here on 

 this part of the subject. One thing may be said in favour 

 of the " close show societies," and that is, they are both instruc- 

 tive and entertaining, for the members, after the business of 

 the meeting has been duly transacted, enter into a general 

 conversation, the chief topic, as a matter of course, being 

 canaries and their kindred species, and some member is almost 

 invariably ready to relate something which he conceives to be 

 new, or appeals to some older and more experienced member 

 of the society for his opinion on some particular method of 

 breeding, feeding, or what not, and new theories are often 

 propounded in this way, and freely discussed for the edification 

 of all present, and juveniles in the " fancy " can often gather 

 a great deal of information which they need by this means. 

 But for the fact of their being held at taverns, these 

 meetings are highly favourable to the progress and well-being 

 of this delightful and innocent recreation. At the end of the 

 year a show is held in connection with each " close show " 

 society, restricted to subscribing members only, and at its 

 termination a supper is mostly held, and this is got up in 

 the " landlord's best style " of course, and a convivial evening 

 is spent. 



To begin a society of this kind it is necessary, in the first 

 place, for one or two of the most intelligent or prominent 

 members of the " Fancy " to wait upon all the known lovers 

 and admirers of the canary, and to inform them of the project, 

 and to request their attendance at such a place or inn as may 

 be considered most suitable and likely to meet the approval 

 of the majority at least of those people who, it is anticipated, 

 tvill become members and office bearers. Be sure that the inn 

 is one of good repute, and in a respectable neighbourhood. 

 If the landlord is a fancier of birds, so much the better, as 



