164 TREATISE ON 



few observations relative to their manners, breed- 

 ing, diseases, management, &c. 



There are two distinct varieties of canary-birds : 

 — ^the plain and the variegated, or, as they are tech- 

 nically called, gay or spangled, and jonks or jon- 

 quils. These two principal varieties are more 

 highly esteemed by bird amateurs than any of the 

 numerous mixtures which have sprung from them, — 

 although birds of different feathers may have each 

 their admirers; some preferring beauty of plumage, 

 others excellence of song : but certainly the most 

 desirable is, where both these qualities unite. — 

 The plain, or jonquil birds, are of a rich, deep gam- 

 boge-yellow. The spangled or gay are variegated 

 in their plumage, — the head, back, and wings of the 

 last are of an agate colour, beautiftdly mottled. In 

 some, the centre of the feather is dark — the margin 

 pale; in others, the centre light — the margin dark; 

 the primary quill-feathers and tail generally black, 

 or tipped with black. The forepart of the head, the 

 breast, and edge of the pinion on the cock, whe- 

 ther a plain or variegated bird, are always of a 

 richer yellow than the same parts of the hen. 



The dispositions of canary-birds are as various 

 as their colours. Some are of a gay, sportive 

 nature, delighting in sounds of mirth and revelry, 



