98 The Canary. 



would rather give the somewhat unpalatable advice 

 which Crabbe has given on a similar occasion, and say, 



" Disposed to wed, e'en while you hasten, stay, 

 There's great advantage in a small delay." 



In order to bring about a match as we desired, for our 

 birds were all together, a little manoeuvring and man- 

 agement became necessary, or our plan of operations 

 would very probably have been marred. The manner 

 of bringing this about we accomplished in the following 

 way, which, as it proved both simple and effective, I 

 would recommend to others. Having fixed upon the 

 birds we wished to pair together, we separated them 

 from the rest, placing them by themselves in two dif- 

 ferent cages in another room. For a couple of days 

 we hung one bird above the other, in such a manner as 

 the one could only just get a glimpse of his neighbour. 

 This excited their curiosity, and caused them to begin 

 to call to each other, and at the same time made them 

 more desirous than they would otherwise have been, to 

 form an acquaintance with their unknown friend. Very 

 droll it was to watch their manoeuvres to accomplish 

 this desirable object, and try to overcome every diffi- 

 culty in the way. While the lady below clung to the 

 sides and roof of her cage, the gentleman above stretched 

 out its neck to its utmost length, if perchance he might 

 obtain a glimpse of her charming person. To obtain a 

 more perfect sight of his intended bride, the latter 

 would now descend to the floor of his cage, and walk 

 on tip-toe, looking with the intensest gaze over its ledge, 

 and now mount to the topmost wires of the roof, which, 

 alas ! improved his position but little. Then he would 



