1^ . 



36 THE CANARY BIRD. 



TO TEACH A YOITNG CANARY TO SING. 



When the young birds can eat alone, say at the age of 

 thirteen or fourteen days, and often before quitting the nest, 

 the males commence warbling, and the females, also, but less 

 connectedly and from this, the sexes may be distingnished. 

 To teach a young Canary to sing, he must now be separated 

 fi-om his comrades, as well as from other birds, and placed in 

 a small wire cage, which, at the commencement, must be 

 covei'ed with linen, and subsequently, by degrees, with thicker 

 woollen cloth, when a short air, or other musical piece, must 

 be whistled to him, or a flute, or a small organ may be used. 

 This lesson should be repeated five or six times a-day, espe- 

 cially mornings and evenings, and in five or six months, he 

 will be able to acquire the air, according to the power of his 

 memory. • - 



FOOD AND MANAGEMENT OF ADULT BIRDS. 



Except during the breeding season, the males may be kept 

 in cages either bell-shaped or like that denoted in the adjoin- 

 ing cut. These may be made of wire or rattan, and should be 

 at least a foot high and eight inches in diameter, with one or 

 more transverse perches. 



The female is allowed either to have freedom in the room 

 with her wings clipped, or is placed in a large breeding cage, 

 possessing sufficient space to keep her limbs in constant 

 exercise, and preserve them in health and strength. 



In the bell-shaped, or smaller cages, wherein it must be 

 understood only one male should be put, both the eating and 

 drinking vessels must be placed on the outside, at the ex- 

 tremities of the lower perch. These should be surrounded by 

 a cap of tin, so that the bird may not easily scatter its food. 

 Cleanliness will often prevent these delicate songsters from 

 1 suffering many disoi'ders, and it is very desirable that the k^ 



