40 CANARIES 



to the quality of young likely to be produced from any 

 particular mating. 



As example, a certain bird may be in every respect 

 bar colour the very mate that we should select for another 

 member of the stud, but its bad colour makes us hesitate 

 to use it. If we have its pedigree in our Stud Book we can 

 study it, and if that study reveals the fact that this 

 particular poor-coloured bird comes from a long line of 

 ancestors of extra good colour we know we may risk 

 using it. But should the Stud Book tell us that a genera- 

 tion or two back the ancestors of this bird were of poor 

 colour, then we should decide not to use it, as it would 

 be almost certain to throw back, and we should lose 

 ground in our breeding. Blood will tell. It is impossible 

 to breed prize-winners from birds of poor parentage. 



What of the Original Stock ? 



In commencing a breeding stock one has to depend upon 

 other people. My advice to the beginner is to go to 

 some well-known fancier, one with a reputation as a breeder 

 of show birds. I say a breeder, because every exhibitor 

 does not breed his winners. If possible, visit the man 

 from whom you decide to purchase your stock. Tell 

 him as clearly as you can your requirements, and also 

 how much money you have to spend. Tell him you are 

 trusting to his judgment and honour, that you leave the 

 selection of the birds entirely to him, and hope he will 

 treat you liberally and well. There are few men of repute 

 who will not in such circumstances do their best for a 

 young fancier. Not only will they mate the birds properly, 

 but they wHl give much valuable advice as to their 

 management, and subsequent matings. 



The Actual Pairing, or Mating. 



Having decided which birds are to be paired, the next 

 step is to set about doing it. If double breeding cages 

 are used, all that needs doing is for one bird to be placed 

 in one compartment and one in the other, with the wired 

 slide separating them. If they are fit and ready they will 



