290 CLASS AVES. 



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In fine, they must be approximated as much as possible to a 

 state of nature. In their native country the canaries remain 

 on the borders of little streams, or humid ravines. They 

 must not therefore be allowed to want water, both for drink- 

 ing and bathing. As they are aborigines of a very mild 

 climate, they should be sheltered from the rigour of winter : 

 still, having been long naturalized here and on the continent, 

 they can bear cold, and it will be sufficient to lodge them 

 in a chamber without a fire ; and it is not absolutely neces- 

 sary that the windows should be glazed. They will thrive 

 better so, than in a chamber with a fire. 



The little ones produced from canaries of a uniform 

 colour, resemble the parents. We must not expect from a 

 male and female of a grey colour, young ones of any other. 

 It is the same with all the other varieties, with the is-abella, 

 the whitCy the yellow, the agate, &c., all produce their 

 similars in colour. But when these different races are 

 mixed, some very beautiful and rare birds are the result. 

 The most complicated and elegant individual varieties may 

 be produced ad infinitum. 



The male is sometimes paired with two females ; for this 

 he must be strong, vigorous, and very lively. These quali- 

 ties may be recognised by his incessant movements in his 

 cage, never resting for a moment, and singing in a very 

 elevated key for a long time together, and frequently. The 

 choice being made, there are two small cages, in each of 

 which is one female : they are placed so as to communicate 

 together by one door, and the male is let in. A single cage 

 may also be employed, but it should be large, and have a 

 separation in the middle, that the two females may not see 

 each other when hatching. Such unions take place natu- 

 rally in a large aviary or cabinet. Four vigorous males will 

 suffice for a dozen females. 



The canaries usually receive, to make their nests, the hair 



