132 



CANARY BIRDS. 



of the March month is generally early enough to put them 

 into the breeding cage. Cold weather likewise causes your 

 birds to have soft eggs, that is, no hard shell when laid. 

 Therefore,, begin not too early, especially as we recommend 

 a room without any fire ; remember to give the bird a little 

 moist sugar with the bread and egg, which will cause a 

 slipperiness and openness for the egg. Should you find the 

 hen very bad, and scarcely able to move, or down in a bunch 

 at the bottom of the cage, take her gently out with a warm 

 hand, and anoint the abdominal part with two or three 

 drops of warm salad oil, or the oil of almonds ; this will re- 

 lieve her, and you will find her lay or drop the egg about 

 the cage in two or three hours after, or by the next morn- 

 ing. This happens frequently with a maiden hen ; and the 

 last resource, if the above means are unavailing, is to gently 

 introduce one drop of castor oil down her throat by means 

 of a quill or pen." 



APPENDIX. 



The following concluding hints may be found of ser- 

 vice : — 



It is very necessary that the canary breeder should take 

 an interest in his fancy, and be prepared to give up to it a 

 certain amount of time and thought. 



In pairing, the peculiarities of each individual bird should 

 be consulted. 



Cleanliness is of the utmost importance. In the matter 

 of purchase, it is as well to learn as much as, possible con- 

 cerning the breed and habits of the purchased bird. 



Keep a diary of laying, breeding, hatching, &c. Mule 

 breeding is done better in the country than in a town. 



