f 38 THE CANARY BIRD. 



this is, the better does it agree with him ; whereas, when too 

 artificially compounded, it renders him sickly and weak. The 

 best food is the "summer rape seed," which is sown in 

 spring. This is distinguished from the " winter rape seed," 

 which is sown in autumn, by being larger and of a darker hue. 

 On this diet, these birds thrive very well, but it should be 

 occasionally intermixed with some crushed hemp seed and 

 Canary seed, for the sake of flavoring it ; and this more espe- 

 cially in the spring, when they are intended for breeding. As 

 a treat, we may occasionally give them a mixture of summer 

 cabbage seed, whole oats or oatmeal, with millet, or some 

 Canary seed. Here, as in most other cases, we should strive 

 to imitate nature. 



The hen Canaries may likewise be supplied with the same 

 kind of food as the males ; but in winter, they are content with 

 bread, containing no salt, or merely barley grots, moistened in 

 milk, if given to them fresh every day, without being sour. 

 Besides, both males and females may be given, in summer, 

 some green lettuce, cabbage, groundsel, and water cresses, 

 which must be previously washed and cleansed from anything 

 prejudicial; and in winter, they may be fed with pieces of 

 sweet apples. They require fresh water daily, both for 

 drinking and bathing; and at moulting time, a rusty nail 

 should be occasionally placed in their drinking vessel, as this 

 tends to strengthen the stomach. 



TO TEACH THE ADULT BIRDS TO FLY. 



Canaries may be taught to fly ; but the trouble and risk are 

 so great that it is hardly worth the time and care necessary to 

 teach them. The male is first allowed its liberty in a place 

 where there are trees, and the female is hung at a window, 

 near by, which speedily attracts him back to the cage in case 

 of danger or fatigue. This teaching must be continued for 

 five or six days, but no handling nor violent attempts to catch 

 them should be used. 



