37 



mostly having- to be done where large numbers are exposed for sale, 

 all of them totally unchecked, and singing- their loudest, and without 

 convenience for hearing any of them separately. 



It is well-known in Germany that the best tours, such as the 

 quavers, rolls, flutes, and bell sounds are produced with an apparently 

 closed bill ; the greater the exertion, the fuller the swelling of the 

 thioat. The "bubbles' 1, require a slightly visible separation of the 

 mandibles. High trills, transitions, and other tours in the upper 

 regions necessitate less throat expansion, but sustained opening of 

 the bill to about one-third of its extent ; beyond this the bird must 

 not go. 



On the other hand, screaming, harsh, head splitting, ear piercing, 

 chopping, chowing noises are uttered with a widely opened bill, the 

 lower mandible working up and down in time with the unpleasant 

 utterance ; when the lower mandible actually strikes the upper with 

 the well-known rapidity of trill and roll tours, the clattering or 

 rattling so much execrated by the sensitive ear is produced, and the 

 lowest depth of bad song is reached. Any offender against the rules 

 is suspected on sight, but, to remove all possible doubts, he is 

 subjected to the oral test as well ; if that confirms the ocular 

 demonstration he is got rid of. But for the trainer's practice in using 

 his eyes such a culprit might easily escape timely detection, and would 

 contaminate others of the team in a surprisingly short time. 



While referring to defects, it may guide an intending purchaser of 

 German song Canaries to be told of some other faults against which 

 he must be guarded. The bird must not sing " short ; " there must 

 be no perceptible pause before the end ; no introduction of the call 

 notes in any part of the song ; the quarrelsome tzi-tzi-tzee, chow- 

 chow, chop-chop ! should never be heard. Dwelling too long on one 

 note is also a great defect. Others will be practically referred to in 

 the paragraph on ; ' Judging " later on. 



By the end of October early bred males are advanced enough to 

 compete in singing contests, or, if not wanted for that purpose, they 

 are able to act as masters to their younger brethren ; whilst perfecting 

 their own acquirements they lead the others on. As the Germans 

 begin to breed early in the season, they also desist early. The 

 general opinion seems to be that late breeding retards the moult, 



