270 HiSlOKi OF 



It is this that has rendered the Canary-bird, next to the night- 

 ingale, the most celebrated songster ; and as it is more easily 

 reared than any of the soft-billed birds, and continues its song 

 throughout the year, it is rather the most common in our houses. 

 Rules, therefore, have been laid down, and copious instructions 

 given, for breeding these birds in a domestic state ; which, as a 

 part of them may conduce towards the natural history of the bird, 

 I will take leave to transcribe. * 



* Tlie Canary-bird is remarkable for its tractability and intelligrence, aa 

 an instance of which the following anecdote may be given. A bird-catcher 

 in Prussia, who had rendered himself famous for educating and calling fortli 

 the talents of the feathered tribe, had a Canary-bird, which was introduced 

 by the owner to a largo party at Cleves, to amuse them with his wonderful 

 feats. The Canary being produced, the owner harangued him in the follow- 

 ing manner, placing him upon liis fore-finger, " Bijou, (jewel,) you are now 

 in the presence of persons of great sagacity and honour ; take heed, there, 

 fore, that you do not deceive the expectations they have conceived of you 

 from the world's report. You have got laurels ; beware of their withering : 

 in a word, deport yourself like the bijou (the jewel) of Canary-birds, as you 

 certainly are." All this time the bird seemed to listt-n ; and, indeed, placed 

 iiimself in the true attitude of attention. He sloped his head to the ear of 

 the man, then distinctly nodded twice, when his master had left oft" speak- 

 ing ; and if ever nods were intelligible and promissory, these were of that 

 nature. " Thafs good," paid the master, pulling off his hat to the bird. 

 " Now let us see if you are a Canary of honour. Give us a tune." The 

 Canary sung. " Pshaw ' that's too harsh : 'tis the note of a raven -with a 

 hoarseness upon him : something pathetic." The Canary whistled as if hia 

 little throat was changed to a lute. " Faster," says the man ; " slower- 

 very well — what a plague is this little foot about, and this little head ? No 

 wonder you are out, Mr Bijou, when you forget your time. That's a jewe. : 

 bravo! bravo I my little man!" All that he was ordered, or reminded of, 

 tlid he to admiration. His head and foot beat time ; humoured the viiria- 

 tions both of tone and movement ; and the sound was a just echo to the 

 fense, according to the strictest laws of poetical, and (sis it ought to be,) of 

 musical composition. "Bravo! bravo!" re-echoed from all parts of the 

 room. The musicians declared the Canary was a greater master of music 

 than any of their band. " And do you not show your sense of this ciwlity, 

 sir ?" cried the bird-catcher with an angry air. The Canary bowed most 

 respectfully, to the great delight of the company. His next achievement 

 was going through the martial exercises with a straw gun ; after which, 

 " My poor Bijou," said the owner, " thou hast had hard work, and must be 

 a little weary : a few performances more, and thou shalt repose. Show the 

 ladies to make a courtesy." The bird here crossed his taper legs, and sunk 

 and rose with an ease and grace that would have put luilf our subscription 

 assembly belles to the blush. " Thafs my fine bird ! And now a bow, head 

 and foot correspcmding." Here the striplings for ten miles round London, 

 might have blushed also. " Let us finish with a hornpipe, ray brave little 

 fellow : that's it ; keep it up, keep it up.'' The activity, glee, spirit, and 



