THE CANARY. 21 



which mix a thimbleful of powdered cracker; mix 

 with the egg a very little maw or poppy seed every 

 other day, or as often as is needed to keep the 

 bowels open. Give apple every other day. In place 

 of the egg, Holden's Song Restorer, a ground food 

 all ready for use, and most nourishing, is now often 

 given during the mating; it is given just as in the 

 bottle, or moistened with water, as seems better. 



DISTURBANCES. After the birds have been cared 

 for, and had their bath twice a week if they wish, 

 unless some ailment requires attention leave them to 

 their own pleasures. Too close attention and fre- 

 quent taking down of the cage, to show the pair to 

 callers, have separated many mates, and ruined pros- 

 pects that gave promise of a large and beautiful 

 family. 



QUARRELS sometimes occur when the pair are first 

 put together, and if hard and continued, the male 

 should be put back in his own cage again for a day or 

 two and then they may try again. Usually the dis- 

 agreement is brief, the male coaxes, with dainty 

 morsels of food, feeds and kisses freely, and the life- 

 work begins at once. 



THE FEMALE should be changed when disputes 

 cannot be settled. 



SOME PAIRS ARE DELIBERATE, and seem to waste 

 two or three weeks of time, building the nest in the 

 morning only to tear it to pieces in the afternoon, 

 with an occasional attempt on the part of the female 

 to sit some of the time. The pair has not yet really 

 mated, one or the other not being "in condition." 



