this is, the better does it agree with him; whereas, when too 
artificially compounded, it renders him sickly and weak. The 
best food is the “ summer rape seed,” which is sown in 
spring. This is distinguished from the “ winter rape seed,” 
which is sown in autumn, by being larger and of a darker hue. 
On this diet, these birds thrive very well, but it should be 
occasionally intermixed with some crushed hemp seed and 
Canary seed, for the sake of flavoring it; and this more espe¬ 
cially in the spring, when they are intended for breeding. As 
a treat, we may occasionally give them a mixture of summer 
cabbage seed, whole oats or oatmeal, with millet, or some 
Canary seed. Here, as in most other cases, we should strive 
to imitate nature. 
The hen Canaries may likewise be supplied with the same 
kind of food as the males; but in winter, they are content with 
bread, containing no salt, or merely barley grots, moistened in 
milk, if given to them fresh every day, without being sour. 
Besides, both males and females may be given, in summer, 
some green lettuce, cabbage, groundsel, and water cresses, 
which must be previously washed and cleansed from anything 
prejudicial; and in winter, they may be fed with pieces of 
sweet apples. They require fresh water daily, both for 
drinking and bathing; and at moulting time, a rusty nail 
should be occasionally placed in their drinking vessel, as this 
tends to strengthen the stomach. 
TO TEACH THE ADULT BIRDS TO FLY. 
Canaries may be taught to fly; but the trouble and risk are 
so great that it is hardly worth the time and care necessary to 
teach them. The male is first allowed its liberty in a place 
where there are trees, and the female is hung at a window, 
near by, which speedily attracts him back to the cage in case 
of danger or fatigue. This teaching must be continued for 
five or six days, but no handling nor violent attempts to catch 
L them should be used. 
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