522 PASSERINES. 



they breed with the Linnet, Goldfinch, and others of the group, has 

 introduced great varieties of colouring. Originally from the 

 Canary Islands, they were first imported into Europe in the 

 fifteenth century, and such was the charm of their song, added to 

 their natural docility and gay plumage, that every one was eager 

 to possess them. Buffon says, in his elegant manner, that if the 

 Nightingale is the songster of the woods, the Canary is the 

 chamber musician. Their race propagates, moreover, so rapidly 

 that the poorest can aiFord to possess them ; for these elegant 

 little creatures are to be found among every grade of society, 

 pouring out their joyous melody in the garret of the poor work- 

 man with as much energy as in the gorgeous saloons of the 

 wealthy. 



There are two distinct species of the Canary, the Plain and 



\ Fig. 233. Whidah Finch, or Widow Birds (Einberiza paradisea, Linn.). 



Variegated, or, as the bird-fanciers designate them, the Mealy, or 

 Spangled, and Jonquils ; but between these innumerable varieties 

 have sprung up from cross-breeding with the Goldfinch, Linnet, 

 and Siskin. These cross-breeds are often charming songsters ; 

 but, like all mules, they are completely sterile. Bechstein is of 



