280 



KIDD'S OWN JOURNAL. 



plied with air than the above, called the Chavana 

 Fidele, in which the skin is entirely separated 

 from the "flesh, and filled with an infinity of 

 small air-cells, the legs and even toes partaking of 

 the same singularity, so that it appears much 

 larger than it really is, and when pressed by the 

 finger, the skin sinks in, but resists pressure like a 

 foot-ball, or other elastic body. The air, in this 

 case, is supposed to assist in producing a powerful 

 screaming voice, the bird being a wader, and not 

 calculated for lengthened flights. 



Generally speaking, the bones of birds, except- 

 ing when young, are without marrow, the gradual 

 absorption of which, till the bones become a hollow 

 tube, is most easih perceptible in young tame 

 Geese, when killed at different periods of the 

 autumn and winter. From week to week the air- 

 cells increase in size, till, as the season advances, 

 the air-bones become transparent. Towards the 

 close of the summer and beginning of autumn, 

 although in external appearance the young Goose 

 resembles the parent, no trace of air-cells can be 

 discovered in its bones — the interior being still 

 filled up with marrow, which does not entirely 

 disappear till about the end of the fifth or sixth 

 month. 



In the Eagle, Hawk, Stork, Lark, and other 

 birds in the habit of soaring, the air-cells are very 

 large, particularly those in connection with the 

 wing. On the other hand, in Ostriches, or those 

 birds which either never or seldom fly, those of 

 the wing are comparatively small ; but as a com- 

 pensation, it has been remarked that, as great 

 strength as well as lightness is desirable to enable 

 them to run swiftly, their bones are almost all of 

 them remarkably hollow. Such are some of the 

 advantages derived from this abundant supply of 

 air. 



We have alluded to the additional warmth 

 possessed by birds, in comparison with other 

 animals, to which this greater quantity of air 

 must essentially conduce. We may here again 

 refer to the Gannet, which passing so much of its 

 time in the depth of winter, exposed to the 

 severest weather, would, if not provided with 

 additional means of keeping itself warm, often 

 perish from cold ; but having, as we have observed, 

 a power of filling up the space between its flesh 

 and outward skin with air, it is thus furnished 

 with a light, but at the same time admirable coat, 

 which effectually prevents it from feeling the 

 effects of cold, however severe. 



Our young friends can hardly fail to be 

 delighted by a perusal of these pretty facts ; 

 and we sincerely hope they will pursue their 

 inquiries still further. Nature's operations 

 and provision for her children, demand all 

 our wonder, praise, and gratitude. 



The Canary, — a Cage and Chamber 

 Bird. By William Kidd, of Hammer- 

 smith. Illustrated with more than 

 Fifty Engravings on Wood, by N. 

 Whittock. Small 12mo. Groombridge 

 and Sons. 



This is a book of which, for obvious rea- 

 sons, we can only announce the appearance. 

 Its object is, by means of graphic Illustration, 



to convey many practical and useful lessons 

 to the keepers of birds ; by an observance of 

 which they may not only save the lives of 

 their choice little pets when suffering, but 

 prevent illness among the whole tribe. Many 

 other valuable " hints " are conveyed by the 

 Illustrations, of which all will do well to take 

 heed. The artist has indeed been very 

 cutting ! 



The author commenced keeping birds in 

 his early youth; and his experience from 

 that time upwards — a long apprenticeship to 

 the study— has enabled him to treat of every- 

 thing that may be considered interesting, 

 useful, and conducive to the well-being and 

 happiness of birds in confinement. The book 

 abounds in domestic anecdotes ; and it pays 

 special attention to the subject of rearing 

 and breeding canaries in the open air, as 

 well as in cages, and in rooms fitted up as 

 Aviaries. The directions are all simple, and 

 particularly explicit. 



The breeding of "iancy " canaries — a 

 most interesting study — is also treated of at 

 large ; and the book is rendered Jts complete 

 a Treatise on the subjects it professes to dis- 

 cuss, as is usually furnished in ordinary 

 works of very much larger proportions. 



To give it a world-wide popularity, it is 

 issued (in an elegant binding of cloth of gold) 

 at Jess than the cost of a common song-bird 

 — viz., six shillings. The copyright being 

 vested in the author, he is enabled to do this. 

 It hardly needs be said, that it will require a 

 large sale to make the speculation a profitable 

 one. But as the Canary is a universal favorite, 

 the risk is not perhaps a very dangerous one. 

 Let us at all events hope so. 



We may add, that it is the author's inten- 

 tion to issue a unique and uniform Series of 

 Books on Birds ; comprising the habits of 

 all our knowm little songsters, and graphi- 

 cally depicting their amiabilities and winning 

 ways. 



The Nightingale, Blackcap, Skylark,Wood- 

 lark, and others, will appear in due course. 



The Amyotts' Home ; or, Life in Child- 

 hood. 12mo. Groombridge & Sons. 



This is a very excellent book, but gifted 

 with a very unattractive title. If merit can 

 overcome this little mistake, then will it cir- 

 culate all over the world. 



There are two families named in the work 

 — the Amyotts and the Campbells ; and the 

 association of these families gives rise to 

 many sayings and doings, thoughts and sen- 

 timents, and practical lessons of virtue, which 

 cannot be too highly commended. From the 

 narrative, which is flowing and natural, we 

 propose giving a little episode. It will be 

 perused with more than common pleasure by 

 all wise parents. But first let us notice the 

 short and noble preface. The author says : — 



