9(> CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



considerable length. This song is not wholly natural, but partly so. In order to 

 be perfect, the bird should be taught it : it is said that a bird which can interpret 

 this song in all its perfection may be taught to speak, as the different syllables re- 

 quire a distinct pronunciation. The entire list of songs are designated by names 

 which the bird pronounces, or is supposed to pronounce, in the course of his song. 

 This bird, unlike a majority of trained birds, never forgets what has been taught 

 him; his song returning to him in all its completeness after the moulting season. 

 When a trained singer is placed in a room for the purpose of instructing younger 

 birds, the room should be darkened ; as the younger birds learn much more readily 

 than when too much light is given. 



In some parts of Europe, in order to make the Chaffinch sing by night as well 

 as day, he is put in a totally dark room for a few days, in order to accustom him 

 to find his food : he is then deprived of his sight by means of a red-hot needle 

 passed through the pupils of the eyes, a heartless piece of conduct, which cannot 

 be too severely condemned. 



The Chaffinch may also be taught a variety of tricks, although not as easily 

 taught in this respect as many of the other Finches. He is noted for the beauty of 

 the construction of his nest. He may be paired with a female Canary in breeding 

 season, but Hybrids of this variety are rarely seen. 



The proper food for the Chaffinch is the mixed canary-seed, varied occasionally 

 by a few grains of hemp : too much hemp should not be given ; for although it does 

 not injure the song, as in case of a great many seed-eating birds, it makes them 

 fat, and subject to disease. A piece of sweet apple, or green food of any kind, 

 should be given occasionally as a variety, and to aid them in digestion. A meal- 

 worm is a dainty, and two or thi'ee every week will keep the bird in perfect song. 

 The daily bath should not be neglected. A larger cage is required for the Chaffinch 

 than for the Canary ; the best being the brass cage 11 X 13 x 17. or wood framed, 

 tinned wire, 9x14. 



In sickness this bird should be treated the same as the Canary. 



SONG. 



FROM THE GERMAN OF GEIBEL. 



Birdling, whither now, I pray? 

 " Southward far I wing my way." 

 There the sun shines warm and clear, 

 * 'Tis the winter of the year. 



Birdling, when on mottled wing, 

 'Mid the linden-leaves you sing. 



Where my gentle love doth dwell, 

 Tell her, that, by night and da}-, 

 Lives she in my heart alway; 



Tell her that I love her well. 



And the flowerets of the plain. 

 Kiss them o'er and o'er again. 



