14 CANARY BIRDS. 



distinct, and the produce of the nest will 

 probably show specimen of both kinds. 

 Canaries which are blackish-gray, or grayish- 

 b-rown on the upper part of the body, and 

 at the lower part greenish-yellow, are the 

 commonest and healthiest birds, and have 

 deviated less from the original stock. Their 

 eyes are dark brown. 



Yellow and white canaries have often red 

 eyes, and are not so strong. The reddish- 

 brown canaries, with grayish-brown eyes, 

 are the rarest ; and in respect to strength and 

 longevity, occupy an intermediate position 

 between the other two varieties. The bird 

 is valuable in proportion to the regularity 

 with which it is marked. Those, however, 

 in which the body is yellow or white, and 

 the wings, tail, and head particularly if 

 crested yellowish-dun, are considered the 

 handsomest birds. Next to these are the 

 Golden Yellow Canaries, with black, blue, 

 or blackish-gray head, wings, and tail ; then 

 the blackish bird, with gray or yellow head 



