270 Canaries and Cage-Birds. 



possible physiological phenomena as the result of " the influence of previous sires " has its followers 

 among Mule-breeders, and some assert, though we don't know how far supported by proof, that 

 hens previously mated with Canaries are likely to tnrow the lightest Mules. We cannot discuss 

 the theory here, nor indeed have we studied it sufficiently to feel justified in expressing any 

 opinion on the subject, but we have known endless schemes tried, from the application of the 

 "ring-straked" theory, to which we refer reverently, as applied by breeding in cages which with 

 every appliance were coloured perfectly white, down to mating with Clear and Marked Canaries 

 previous to introducing the Finch, and then allowing the Canary cock, the first love, to remain 

 suspended in a small cage in front of the compartment containing the muling hen till after she 

 had laid her complement of eggs to the Goldfinch ; but with no satisfactory result. As a practical 

 way of dealing with a hen which refuses to receive attentions from the Goldfinch, but which will 

 "call" in response to the song of her old mate, such an arrangement has manifest advantages, 

 upon which we need not enlarge; but as regards the "previous influence" theory we can say 

 nothing in its favour. 



If there be several approved Finches at command, they may be mated up with hens precisely 

 as Canaries, but if not, a good bird in the bloom of high condition may be " run " through almost 

 any number of cages, where he will not fail to leave his mark. He need not, of necessity, be 

 allowed to remain long with his hens. A more tractable bird does not exist, nor one more 

 amenable to social and home influences. If allowed to settle down with his hen he will 

 make the most attentive mate, and at once accept the responsibilities of his position, 

 nursing and feeding in the most exemplary manner. It is well, however, not to tax him in 

 this way, as a hen is well able to attend to the duties demanded by her offspring, and he is 

 more likely to remain in robust health and vigour if not overworked. There is some degree 

 of risk in leaving an untried bird with a hen till she lays, as he may prove to be of an 

 inquisitive turn of mind, and may take it into his head to examine into the contents of the eggs, 

 for which purpose his pointed beak is well adapted ; but this mischievous propensity is happily 

 rather the exception than the rule. When such a habit has been acquired there is one simple 

 preventive — doiit allozu libii the opportunity. The most inexperienced can soon learn when a hen 

 is on the eve of laying, and removing the Finch is a much simpler and more effective plan than 

 ising a "drop-nest" — one with a hole in the bottom, through which the egg falls into a bag or other 

 receptacle containing cotton-wool or down, to prevent injury. These "drop-nests" nevertheless 

 are very useful, and where the time at a breeder's disposal is perhaps limited to an hour's attention 

 in the middle of the day, long after the time- when the mischief is done, such self-acting appliances 

 are invaluable for preventing the possibility of any misadventure. A compact, handy arrangement 

 can be secured by fitting an ordinary tin nest into a tin receptacle like a small canister, 

 into which it will slide with sufficient grip to keep the whole in position, the apparatus looking 

 like a flour-dredger with an inverted lid. 



The hatching of a nest of Mules is an event of importance, and beginners are often deceived 

 ':iY appearances. All Dark Mules are not born equally dark in skin and down, though they 

 usually are veritable little "niggers," nor are all Variegated Mules born with such decided indica- 

 tions of variegation as are seen in the discoloured skin of young Canaries ; but an experienced 

 eye soon detects the unwelcome signs. When one bird is whiter than the rest, paler in the 

 flesh, or shows no visible signs of discoloration, hope runs high ; and we have known a 

 powerful magnifying-glass, carefully concealed in some corner lest it should betray unbecoming 

 anxiety, frequently brought into operation. No expected comet was ever searched for more 

 earnestly than are the small specks on the naked wings, which indicate something of future 



