4 The Canary. 



really wonder the latter has never become the fashion 

 of the day. When canaries were first introduced into 

 England, they were so highly prized that none but the 

 most wealthy could afford to purchase them ! In the 

 days of Queen Elizabeth they appear to have been 

 appreciated as they deserved, but in the days of Queen 

 Victoria, who, however, we believe is a notable ex- 

 ception to the general rule, and who has, we understand, 

 a beautiful collection at Osborne except by the lower 

 class of people who breed them for sale or show, these 

 beautiful birds seem to be little admired or regarded ! 

 How seldom do we see more than one in a house of the 

 middle classes, how rarely do we meet with any number 

 collected together in an aviary or room for the purpose of 

 breeding amongst those who could well afford to do so ! 

 Why is this ? Has our pretty favourite lost anything 

 of its original beauty of plumage by its domestication 

 amongst us ? Is it less elegant in form, less docile in 

 its temper, or less loving and winsome in its manners, 

 than were its progenitors three hundred years ago ? 

 By no means ; the beauty of its plumage, the elegance \ 

 of its figure, the docility of its disposition, the charming 

 familiarity which induces it to nestle without fear or 

 reserve beside us, to say nothing of its melodious song 

 which has of late years been well nigh cultivated to 

 perfection, are as striking and prominent as ever. Truly 

 its winsome ways and interesting habits claim and 

 deserve the attention of all classes of society, and if 

 bestowed, we venture to say would unquestionably 

 afford a never-ending round of innocent amusement and 

 delight. 



