2^.6 Canaries aa'd Cage-Birds. 



birds paired accordingly, first with regard to producing the required markings, and then with 

 a view to possible and probable results arising from the character of the strain. It will be 

 remembered that we instanced some peculiar results as having occurred within our own knowledge 

 in connection with breeding with Norwich birds in which was a trace of Cinnamon blood. 

 AH this applies here, only we think the mixture is more general in the Marked Yorkshire, and 

 hence our calling special attention to it in this place, but beyond that there is no necessity 

 to enlarge on a subject which resolves itself into the application of settled general principles. 



As regards feeding this bird for exhibition, by which it will be understood we refer to 

 cayenne-feeding, although the impetus given to colour by the discovery of the potent agent 

 which assists so materially in its development has spread in ever-widening circles till its waves 

 have reached the extreme coniines of Canarydom, and colour is, as we have stated, steadily 

 on the rise and will probably some day reach a much higher level in connection with this 

 bird, there has as yet been no clearly pronounced opinion uttered by its patrons. These, most 

 wisely we think, give their allegiance to form, and pause ere they subscribe to a new creed 

 until it can be shown that a substantial advantage has accrued to the bird therefrom, pre- 

 ferring to allow colour, as connected with feeding, to remain entirely a matter of taste for the 

 present. Some exhibitors send out their birds in their native bloom, altogether innocent of 

 any knowledge of stimulants ; others in all the blaze of ruddy jonque, assisted by the hidden 

 leaven of Norwich blood ; and others, again, with just sufficient burnishing to lead one to infer 

 they had been fed on the crumbs which had fallen from a table spread for the delectation 

 of some cage of "hot" youngsters privileged to feast on spiced meats at the rate of five 

 shillings a pound. We should be glad to see colour advance with form through legitimate 

 channels, keeping respectfully in the rear, for not one hasty step to the front would we 

 sanction, but would watch most jealously the infusion of any ingredient calculated to depose 

 the true genius of the bird from its rightful position and set up a specious substitute in its 

 place. We would not refuse to colour its due weight in the presence of sterling excellence, 

 but we would not allow a pound of the best cayenne to gloss over one single spot. 



To exhibit any class of Yorkshire Canary to the best advantage it should never be put 

 in a box-cage — that is, a wooden cage with simply a wired front — however roomy, for in such 

 a contrivance the bird always seems to be afraid to stand up at his full height. For a 

 similar reason the usual living-cages, which, for the sake of comfort and general convenience 

 in the breeding-room, are generally of the box-cage model, should be e.xtra lofty, so as not 

 to induce a slovenly, hesitating carriage, or that standing across the perch which is sometimes 

 the result of want of cage-room as much as of any radical defect in the bird. There is a 

 tradition in the North that the last generation of collier captains were broad-shouldered 

 men of low stature, had parenthetical legs, and were frequently prematurely bald, their 

 longitudinal contraction and lateral extension, &c., being attributed to difficulties in the way 

 of stretching themselves or standing upright in their cabins without rubbing off their hair 

 against the deck-beams and ceiling. We are always reminded of this particular strain of the 

 genus homo when we see a fine Yorkshire shut up in a small box, in which it could scarcely 

 stand upright, even it there were no perch. The most effective exhibition-cage is one of wire, 

 about 7 inches by 8, and 17 inches in height, with flat or arched top, according to taste. One 

 perch, resting on the middle strengthening wire which runs round the body of the cage, is 

 sufficient — indeed, position or shape birds, the Scotch Fancy excepted, should never have but 

 one perch. The water-vessel should always be on the outside, but seed can be supplied 

 either by means of a small hopper to hook on the outside, or in a seed-drawer or open 



