THE ROLLER CANARY 247 



the evening. Another method followed by a goodly 

 number is to soak the rape seed in cold water for twelve 

 or twenty-four hours. This draws away any acrid pro- 

 perties which it may contain, and does not kill any of 

 those which are of value for feeding. 



Caution regarding Use of Green Food. 



Green food should be given at least twice every day 

 during the breeding season, if convenient it may be 

 given four or five times, but much care must be exercised 

 in connection therewith. Green food should always be 

 fresh and clean. Never give groundsel which has grown 

 on heavily manured land — it is apt to cause inflammation 

 of the bowels. In the way of green food, any of the fol- 

 lowing may be used — groundsel, watercress, chickweed, 

 dandehon, lettuce, cabbage, shepherd's purse, plantain, 

 and any of the numerous flowering grasses. A little maw 

 seed may be given two or three times a week, also a 

 tea-spoonful of hemp. Canary seed may be given now 

 and again as a tit-bit, but it is not wise to use much of it. 

 Those who are skilled in the breeding of Roller canaries 

 say that it has a bad effect on the muscles of the throat, 

 and renders the song harsh j 



Musical Training of the Young. 



When the young Rollers are a month old they should be 

 taken from their parents, and, if of great value, be at 

 once placed in flights in another room in company with 

 a good old cock bird, one specially selected for his singing 

 qualities. The old bird will, of course, be in a small cage 

 by himself, his duty being to act as schoolmaster or trainer 

 to the budding young vocalists. 



If a good old cock, " a schoolmaster," is not available 

 the birds may be taught their work by means of a flageolet 

 or bird organ. This may be played sereral times during 

 the day, but the morning and evening lessons seem to 

 be the ones that make the most impression on the young 

 vocalists. Whilst they are being trained they must 

 not be too generously fed, or they will become fat and 



