INTRODUCTION. t v ii 



freedom upon which depends almost the existence of 

 their wilder brethren, it would be cruel to expose 

 them to the misery of being loose, little, shivering, 

 trembling strangers, in an unkindly crowd. Poor 

 little creatures, if one of them does get out, how 

 fast it flies to seek some friendly cage ; it knows not 

 the language, the ways, and fashion-s of the birds 

 around it, nor yet does it always meet with the 

 kindest welcome from them. Besides, our canaries 

 want petting they have no wish, so their gay song 

 tells us, to seek a dirty puddle instead of a crystal 

 bath j to hide from the rain and cower from the cold, 

 instead of hanging singing in a warm pleasant room. 

 Most people forget to reckon on the birds' social 

 habits ; nor do they give them credit for half their 

 loving ways. Canaries are often wild and show fear 

 whenever approached by those who have never 

 shown them kindness. This arises from a natural, 

 and a very proper suspicion, of mankind. Their in- 

 stinct tells them that the human race are inherently 

 savage ; and till they have some convincing proof 

 to the contrary, they never change this, their very 

 correct opinion. To be teased, frightened, slighted, 

 or neglected, is their too frequent fate. But we may 

 add with a deep feeling of pleasure, there are " ex- 

 ceptions" to all rules, and we know that there are 



