CANARIES. 



55 



which may not, perhaps, be absolutely necessary, that goes to make up the sum of 

 their happiness. 



In such an aviary a great variety of birds live in harmony, thrive and sing. 

 AVith the Canaries may be included, either pairs or single birds, all the small African 

 Finches, the Japanese Nuns, the Australian Paroquets, African Love-birds, Bull- 

 finches, Goldfinches, Linnets, Siskins, Chaffinches, Cardinals, Nonpareils, Indigoes, 

 Bobolinks, and almost any of the seed-eating birds not larger than the Cardinals, 

 most of which will breed. 



CANARY TABLE. 



The above table is designed to contrast the merits of Canaries of the various 

 breeds. While one breed exhibits a high standard as song-birds, another takes first 

 rank by the beauty of the general appearance, which includes size, plumage, and 

 shape. The table is not offered as an authority, but shows my experience with the 

 varieties named. 



The highest point attained in any one division is quoted as ten, which, if given 

 in the seven particulars, would make a total of seventy points ; and a bird obtain- 

 ing seventy points would be considered perfection. 



It is impossible to attain perfection, in both divisions of the table, by any one 

 variety of bird. In each class it may be observed, that the highest points recorded 

 are made by birds specially bred for the particular point or points in question, 

 excepting the American Canary. Each class is bred for a special object, and the 

 number ten is placed against his best quality : while the breeders of separate classes 

 may consider the table hardly a fair one, inasmuch as their own favorites suit their 

 special tastes, and should, in their estimation, have the highest points ; yet they 

 must honestly confess, that the table is made out in an unprejudiced manner : be- 

 cause I, though a born Yankee, have justly marked the Canaries bred in America 

 the lowest of all. 



