74 OUR HOME PETS 



are quarrelsome or sullen ; one bird may be 

 jealous to the point of fury, another pleasant 

 and genial, and a third perfectly indifferent to 

 every one. In a word, these birds show nearly 

 all the passions of our own race, and one who 

 would understand, and especially one who 

 would teach them, must study their character- 

 istics, and adapt the treatment to their pecu- 

 liarities. 



In the matter of mating, for example, a bird 

 has his own notions, and must be allowed lib- 

 erty of choice. Even the demure little dam- 

 sels of canarydom accept or reject a wooer as 

 they see fit. It is useless to insist upon union 

 where there is disaffection ; the result will 

 surely be disastrous. Once united to their 

 own satisfaction, a pair will remain mated for 

 life, and if separated by a thoughtless owner 

 will often mourn, and sometimes even die. 

 Very touching stories are told of the recog- 

 nition of a pair of birds when reunited after 

 years of separation. 



Not only have the birds a choice of com- 

 panions; they are observing of their surround- 

 ings, and show decided preferences in colors 

 as well as in positions. A bird will be unhappy 



