January, 1903. 



IX years have passed since this little work was published ; 

 the third edition is in the press, and the appreciation by 

 the public of the subject treated is more pronounced than 

 ever. The German Song Canary has found its way into 

 thousands of homes which before had not been aware of its 

 existence. Much of what I anticipated would happen has 

 happened. 



The import has more than doubled itself ; choice 

 specimens which formerly could not be obtained here except 

 on almost impossible terms may now be more reasonably 

 acquired. Bird-room appliances, either of German make, or 

 at least of German type, are finding a ready sale ; and last, 

 but not least, the British lover of bird song is shaking off the 

 bonds of subservience by asserting his spirit ' of independence. 

 We are breeding good songsters ourselves ! 



Clubs have been formed with the sole object of 

 producing in Great Britain Rollers as good as the Germans 

 do themselves ; contests are being held where such British- 

 bred " artistes " are carefully judged, and where every 

 encouragement is offered to improve the exhibits year by 

 year. Thus much more than I expressed in the conclusion 

 above has come to pass. 



Wishing this edition an even greater success than the 

 preceding ones, I hope to have something equally satisfactory 

 to report when the next issue of this booklet will become 

 necessary. 



THE AUTHOR. 



