6 
Our  Canaries 
stock  which  had  been  lost  to  sight  ages  before  our  earUest  records  of  an 
authentic  description  were  inscribed  on  history's  page.  DiHgent  students  of 
Holy  Writ  will  find  from  the  frequent  references  therein  that  bird-keeping  was 
a  recognised  institution  at  the  dawn  of  Christianity,  which  is  certainly  going 
backward  far  enough  to  show  that  our  hobby  possesses  an  ancient  lineage 
surpassed  by  none  nor  probably  equalled  by  any  other  pastime  of  a  like  nature 
which  has  ever  claimed  the  attention  of  civilised  nations. 
AN  IDEAL  OUTDOOR  AVIARY. 
This  outside  aviary  is  constructed  of  wood  and  wire.    Inner  portion,  and  part  o{  the  outeri  covered  with  a 
wooden  roof  and  roofing  felt.   Window  to  open  on  hinges  for  purposes  of  ventilation.    Small  opening 
in  the  wire  at  front,  with  a  rustic  bracket  inside  to  hold  the  food  and  water  vessels.      Full  size  door 
for  entrance  into  covered  portion ;  small  door  for  entrance  into  outer  aviary. 
In  old  folk-lore  a  few  of  the  most  notable  species  of  birds  have,  with 
almost  unvarying  consent,  been  the  accepted  symbols  of  certain  characteristic 
traits.  The  dove,  for  example,  is  from  time  immemorable  the  recognised  symbol 
of  peace  and  fidelity ;  to  the  Raven,  a  kind  of  model  of  the  opposite  vices, 
being  ascribed  a  compendium  of  uncanny,  malicious  and  evil  qualities.  Yet 
on  one  occasion,  if  the  Hebrew  translator  is  to  be  trusted  in  the  matter,  even 
this  sable  outlaw  was  used  as  a  messenger  of  mercy  when  it  fed  the  starving 
prophet  in  the  wilderness.  The  lordly  Eagle,  monarch  of  the  air  and  mountain 
wilds,  has  ever  been  the  emblem  of  wisdom  and  strength.  In  the  former  role 
we  may  find  it  figuring  in  '*  Hinduism,"  one  of  the  authorised  books  of  the 
