78 On the Introduction of 



while so much has to be done for the colony in matters of 

 essential importance. But I confess that I am inclined to attach 

 great consequence to the diffusion of these minor delights, 

 and to estimate very highly their beneficial effect upon a people. 

 There is a peculiar charm about the song of the sky-lark on a 

 fine spring morning, or that of the nightingale during one of its 

 own calm summer nights, that cannot be adequately described, 

 but can never be forgotten by those who have once heard these 

 birds. There may be a great deal, doubtless, in the associations 

 by which they are surrounded. But it is the peculiar charac- 

 teristic of these interesting creatures to so surround themselves, 

 and it is the combination of such charms at which we should 

 aim, and which I believe we should attain, if we were to follow 

 out our experiments with reasonable spirit and perseverance. 

 The corn field and the grove we have already spreading around 

 us. Why should we delay the attempt to furnish them with 

 their most agreeable inhabitants ? 



Before proceeding to consider the chances of success in the 

 introduction of any of the native song birds of England itself, 

 I would like to say a few words respecting that general favorite — 

 the canary. 



I think that there are good reasons for believing that this 

 bird might be easily established amongst us in a wild state. In 

 corresponding localities of France and Italy, a species of canary 

 abounds, and adds greatly to the melody of the woods. There 

 is nothing in the severity of our winters to interfere with them. 

 The seeds of the native grasses, and of the various weeds with 

 which even our best cultivated gardens are profusely supplied, * 

 furnish food to which they would soon become accustomed. 

 They breed readily here hi confinement, and would surely be 

 still more likely to do so, if in a more natural condition. 



An experiment with this pretty little bird has this particular 

 advantage, too, that it might be tried at once, and with very 

 little outlay. Canaries are frequently sold by auction in large 

 numbers, and at prices varying downwards to five shillings each, 

 so that a few dozens might be purchased and turned loose in 

 suitable situations at a very moderate expense. They live long 

 here in captivity, and can exist in a wild state, as in watching 

 the process of rearing them I have seen them lost occasionally, 

 and have been surprised at their return after an interval of a 

 few days. 



If an experiment of this nature were to be tried, I think it 

 should take place in the spring ; that the birds, probably accus- 

 tomed all their lives to the shade, might become habituated by 



