THE BLACK BIRD, CANARY BIRD. Ill 



common with most other birds, become mute ; and they 

 then assemble in large flocks, and are caught in great 

 numbers for the sake of their flesh, which is fat and 

 delicate. 



Though the music of any bird in captivity must neces- 

 sarily generate somewhat of a disagreeable sensation in 

 the breast of humanity, both the sky and the wood-lark are 

 frequently caged for the sake of their songs. The notes 

 of the latter are by some preferred to those of the nightin- 

 gale, and they are sometimes mistaken for that supreme 

 mistress of vocal harmony. It is only, however, in a state 

 of nature, that they possess all their charming modulations. 

 Imprisonment and slavery, as they lessen the joys, so 

 they detract from the powers of pleasing, in every thing 

 that has life. 



THE BLACK-BIRD. 



The plumage of the male black-bird is of a coal-black 

 colour, that of the female is of a brown or dark russet. 

 Though of a retired and solitary disposition, it is a very 

 well-known bird, and the deepest toned warbler of the 

 woods. 



The note indeed of the black-bird, when heard at a 

 proper distance, is perhaps, the most cheering of any 

 among the musicians of the grove ; but when confined in 

 a cage, it is loud and deafening. It may be taught, how- 

 ever, to imitate the human voice. 



In some very cold countries, and particularly on the 

 Alps, a variety of this bird is sometimes found with a pure 

 white colour. 



THE CANARY-BIRD. 



This beautiful little creature was originally a native of 

 the islands from which it receives its name : but has been 

 domesticated in Europe for at least two centuries, and 

 is a frequent ornament of the parlour or the hall ; but, 

 though it will breed in captivity, and even intermix with 

 other birds of the same genus, it is too delicate to endure 

 our climate in a state of nature. It will live in a cage from 

 ten to fifteen years. 



