CAN ARY. — Carduelis candria. 
The pretty little Canary Bird, so prized as a domestic pet, derives its name 
from the locality whence it was originally brought. 
Rather more than three hundred years ago, a ship was partly laden with little 
green 'birds captured in the Canary Islands ; and, haying been wrecked near 
Elba, the birds made their escape, flew to the island, and there settled them- 
selves. Numbers of them were caught by the inhabitants, and, on account of 
their sprightly vivacity and the brilliancy of their voice, they soon became great 
favourites, and rapidly spread over Europe. 
The original colour of the Canary is not the bright yellow with which its 
feathers are usually tinted, but a kind of dappled olive green, black, and yellow, either 
colour predominating according to circumstances. By careful management, how- 
ever, the bird-fanciers are able to procure Canaries of every tint between the 
three colours, and have instituted a set of rules by which the quality and arrange- 
ment of the colouring is reduced to a regular system. Still, the original dappled 
green is always apt to make its appearance ; and even when two light- coloured 
birds are mated, a green young one is pretty sure to be found in the nest. 
It is a lively little bird, delighting in company, and being very easily tamed. 
It is also docile and intelligent, and can be taught to perform many pretty 
tricks. 
