CHAPTER XVIII 



THE LONDON FANCY 



A Relic of Bygone Days. 



It is with regret that I write of this handsome variety 

 as a reHc of bygone days, but so it is for there are very 

 few left in the land. The London Fancy is an exceed- 

 ingly rare and handsome variety of the canary so distinct 

 in its plumage and properties, and so mysterious in its 

 origin, surpasses all other breeds for natural colour and 

 silkiness of feathers, and when clean moulted presents 

 an appearance of such sparkling beauty that belies their 

 title of " London Fancy " birds. 



Unlike other canaries the plumage of London Fancy 

 undergoes several changes. Although somewhat re- 

 sembling the Lizard in their nest feathers, if bred with a 

 mark on the cap, such mark will disappear when under- 

 going the system of moulting so peculiar to the bringing 

 of them out for show purposes ; but the Lizard bird will 

 retain its foul mark on the cap when moulted. In casting 

 off its nestling body feathers the London Fancy assumes 

 its gayest plumage, its rich colour being in such striking 

 contrast to the black wings and tail, every feather of 

 which should be as dark as possible. 



First-class specimens of this breed used to realise high 

 prices, which is not to be wondered at, taking into con- 

 sideration the trouble and attention needed to produce 

 them. So far as I have been able to learn the terms 

 yellow and buff have never been used in connection with 

 this variety, but they have always been spoken of as 

 Jonque and Mealy. 



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