THE SPARROW KIND. l ^5 



CHAPTER IV. 



OF THE CANARY-BIRD, AND OTHER HARD-BILLED 



SINGING BIRDS. 







THE Canary-bird is now become so common, and 

 has continued so long in a domestic state, that 

 its native habits, as well as its native country, 

 seem almost forgotten. Though, by the name, 

 it appears that these birds came originally from 

 the Canary Islands, yet we have it only from 

 Germany, where they are bred up in great num- 

 bers, and sold into different parts of Europe. At 

 what period they were brought into Europe, is 

 not well known ; but it is certain that about a 

 century ago they were sold at very high prices, 

 and kept only for the amusement of the great. 

 They have since been multiplied in great abun- 

 dance, and their price is diminished in propor- 

 tion to their plenty. 



In its native islands, a region equally noted for 

 the beauty of its landscapes and the harmony of 

 its groves, the canary-bird is of a dusky grey 

 colour, and so different from those usually seen 

 in Europe, that some have even doubted whether 

 it be of the same species. With us, they have 

 that variety of colouring usual in all domestic 

 fowls ; some white, some mottled, some beautifully 

 shaded with green ; but they are more esteemed 

 for their note than their beauty, having a high 

 piercing pipe, as indeed all those of the finch 



