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CHAPTER XXVI. 



BREEDING AND EXHIBITING SCOTCH FANCY CANARIES. 



We cannot devote an entire chapter to the subject of breeding these remarkable birds, for 

 there really is not material sufficient for the purpose. It will be evident that the classification 

 adopted is not so much to encourage the production of any one form representing a type of 

 variegation worth special attention, with a view to its perpetuation, as to provide a place for 

 each of the many forms which result from promiscuous pairing when in quest of something 

 considered of more value — viz., model. Some breeders pair systematically for Piebalds, and 

 others for Clean birds ; but whatever may be the practice of individual breeders in this respect, it 

 must be obvious that the general principles to be observed in pairing, as detailed in Chapter XIII., 

 will hold good here, the theory of variegation, so far as it can be reduced to system, not 

 requiring fresh elucidation when applied to different varieties. Nor does the introduction of 

 the element of shape call for much remark, because the reader who has followed us carefully 

 through our enunciation of the principles which affect the laws of pedigree-breeding will 

 understand how to apply them in any direction. The utmost we can do is to remind the 

 fancier who contemplates giving his attention to Scotch Fancies of the importance of selecting 

 stock in which is found the full development of essential features ; and need we point out 

 further the equal importance of commencing with birds in which these leading points have 

 become fixed, and which may be relied on to repeat them with tolerable certainty. Just at 

 the present time there is, beyond doubt, a strong desire to obtain shoulder, and we all know 

 the pleasure in taking " short cuts " to lessen the length of a journey. This is, indeed, the 

 age of short cuts and premature developments. There are no boys, no girls — nothing is 

 born young now-a-days. But the shortest way about is frequently the longest way home, 

 and in taking short cuts we may lose our way. There is no short cut to breeding first- 

 class Scotch Fancies, as many a " frosty pow " can testify, and the theory of reversion to 

 long-lost forms, and many of them very undesirable ones, is sure to find a practical 

 illustration in the experience of those who commence with stock ostensibly good, but really 

 the offspring of a recent cross with the original " postuur-vogel." Let the first pairs, at 

 least, be genuine, thorough, and not dependent on Belgian element, scarcely skin deep, for 

 the much-coveted shoulder and graceful neck. The breeder can then experiment or use 

 approved means to produce desired results with reasonable prospect of success, and can 

 steer a safe course by the landmarks and buoys laid down for his guidance. We should 

 advise the selection of lengthy, nervous birds, even if a trifle ungainly, in preference to the 

 shorter, thick-necked type still struggling for existence, which, however neat in feather 

 and comely in its way, is fully some degrees behind the standard of the day, literally and 

 mathematically, if we may so apply the expression, against which improved and daily improving 

 standard it is folly to run counter. It is much easier to manipulate with properties cultivated 

 to excess than to develop them to the same degree, and it is easier to dispose of a load when 

 you get it to the top of the hill than it is to get it up the incline, down which it will run 



