42 CANARY BIRDS. 



of the corrections proposed are entirely 

 effectual. 



To procure handsome young ones, the 

 best method is, to allow only such birds to 

 pair as are both of the same color, and them- 

 selves clearly marked ; though, of course, in 

 large aviaries, this precaution cannot be 

 taken. Greenish or brownish, paired with 

 light-yellow birds, often produce very hand- 

 some offspring. One rule, however, may be 

 laid down as invariable ; not to allow two 

 crested birds to pair, as the young ones are 

 almost always bald, or in some way dis- 

 figured on the head. 



Canaries begin to pair about the middle 

 of March or April, and may be allowed to 

 do so either in a room or cage. Wash their 

 breeding cages well and thoroughly with 

 .soft or strong black soap and water, both 

 inside and out, and particularly in all the 

 corners, crevices, and joinings, of the cage ; 

 >to get at which you must use a painter's 

 'brush, and rub and press it well with the 



