264 



Canaries a.vd Cage-Birds. 



the superior properties enjoyed by both, should be united in class {d) and Judged for general 

 all-round Mule features and approximation to the Clear type class, by which our argument is 

 they can be most equitably measured. We may add that this form of bird is more common 

 among Buffs than Jonques, the only example of the latter in exhibition at the present day 

 being in the possession of Mr. Joseph Stevens, of Middlesborough. This, and another specimen 

 bred by Mr. George Shiel, of Sunderland, a lovely Jonque, absolutely clear with the exception 

 of a slightly grizzled cap, but which never found its way into exhibition, being " born to 

 blush unseen, and waste its sweetness," &c., are nearly all that have come to our knowledge 

 during the last ten years. 



Of Clear Mules we have only to remark that they are required to be absolutely spotless in 

 the unsullied beauty of their plumage. But very few visit this earth, and a Clear Jonque is indeed 

 a vara avis of which we know no living example. The most noted specimen ever' in exhibition 

 was one in the possession of Mr. Edward Bemrose, of Derby, some few years ago, and which 

 subsequently passed into the hands of Mr. Howarth Ashton, of Manchester. Among Buffs, 

 " Snowdrop," " Snowstorm," and " Snowdrift," a group of Peri long since admitted to the 

 Paradise where, doubtless, all good Mules go when done with the vanities of the show-room, 

 and also the peerless " Snowflake," who left a wealth of silver plate behind him, all the property 

 of Mr. John Young, of Sunderland, are among translated celebrities ; while " Snowflake II.," 

 belonging to Mr. C. J. Salt, of Burton-on-Trent, and another marvellous unnamed Buff in the 

 possession of Mr. John Brown, jun., of Penrith, are the champions as we write. The points 

 of a Clear Mule, apart from the indispensable spotless plumage, are the richness of the bloom on 

 the wings and the intensity and area of the flourish on the face, great weight being attached to 

 the continuity of the latter feature and its freedom from such defects as are indicated in our notes 

 on the general characteristics of a good face, the nearer absolute perfection is approached the 

 greater being the subtractive value of otherwise comparatively trifling defects. A Clear Mule 

 must have no blemish : remember that. 



