272 CLASS AVES. 



mules, from the alliance of canaries with goldfinches, linnets, 

 &c. does not appear to be proved by a single fact, which is 

 natural enough, as the species are so evidently distinct, and 

 proceeding from different stocks ; and the same observation 

 may be extended to all other birds whose union produces 

 unfruitful mules. 



The Canary. — There is a considerable degree of interest 

 and charm in every thing relating to this bird of the Hes- 

 perides ; an elegant form, beautiful plumage, melodious 

 voice, and a disposition amiable, docile, and familiar ; it 

 unites all the pleasing qualities and all the little talents which 

 are isolated in other birds. This delightful bird particularly 

 constitutes the amusement of the young female, who is well 

 employed in the developement of its mild and social habits. 

 Care, attention, and caresses are lavished on it, and nothing, 

 in short, is spared in bringing it up. Its infancy and educa- 

 tion give rise to some little trouble and embarrassment ; but 

 it does not prove ungrateful. It gives daily proofs of its 

 susceptibility of gratitude, and of attachment. In the 

 evening its adieus are caresses, and it scarcely wakes in the 

 morning before its benefactress becomes the object of its first 

 regard ; it claps its little wings at sight of her, flies to her, 

 and expresses, by a number of gentle gestures and semitones, 

 the sentiments of affection with which it is inspired. 



The docility of the canary is such, that it has been known, 

 at the command of its instructress, to fly to the head of a cat, 

 sing there with full throat, and receive caresses from its 

 natural enemy. The liberty granted to other birds during 

 the period of their amours, generally puts an end to their 

 attachment to us ; not so with the canary. Two of these fami- 

 liar birds, male and female, having escaped from their aviary, 

 fixed themselves in a thicket at some distance, and nestled 

 there. The male was in the habit of coming regularly twice 

 a-day to sing near his former dwelling, and to gorge himself 



