The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-08-07
WONDERFUL DOCILTTY OF THE CANARY.

Mr.. VIM. Kidd, of HammerSmth, who has
for many months been engaged IN wrlung an
interesting and popular series of original articles
| upon British .4riai u and Cage Birds, and which
are appearing weekly in the Gardeners enron
| icle, graphically illustrates the truly amlable
character of the canary. Ii is hardly to be won
dered at that this bird should be so tulirersdt a
| favorite. We extract the anecdote from the
fourth chapter of British Cage Birds: " Were
:" says Mr.. Kidd, "to go on lelsurely par
ticularizing the many interesting tricks have
witnessed, as practced by my winged Ministries,
| should exceed, fear, the bounds OF proprl-
ETY.. One more, however, of our joint perform
ances | must, through favor, record-eniorc-
ing at thesame time, on all who may hereafter try
the experiment, the necessity for extreme care,
seeing that il is not quite free from danger
"Aware Of the perfect understanding exist
ing between myself and little family, was IN
the constant habit of playing them OIL some
practical joke, rewarding them afterwards with
hemp seed by way OF compromise. The sight
of a hemp seed, therefore, (of which my mules
and canaries were inordinately fond, was sig
nal for some favor to be granted some game
TO come off, Taking uptour or five duodeclmo
volumes of printed books, opened each IN the
middle and. placing them in line on their
front edges, in slanting position, there was
formed beneath an avenue through their entire
length. Ii was like railway tunnel on a small
scale. In this opening placed some half dozen
birds, one by one, gently forcing them in the first
instance to travel onward until they emerged
from the tunnel. As each successfully made his
appearance presented him lovingly with one
of his favorite hemp seed as a reward OF
merit Shall | be credited when affirm that
before had thrice repeated this little expert
ment, my pupils thoroughly comprehended the
fun of the thing2 IL is indeed strange, but
positively true.
ebay by day extended the range Of vol
umes, till, by degrees, | had formed com
plete circle round the room. Here and there
left small loop holes, just to give the travel
lers a birds eve view Of the surrounding
neighborhood, occasionally exhibiting the magi-
cal hemp seed, sight which quickened their
pace amazingly. When their journey was a
very long and tedious one, their looks, as they
battered pas, the loop-holes, were imploringly
expressive. However, An encouraging cheer
up, my lads - kept them up to their work
bravely. Arrived at the terminus, the strut of
triumph, as each came forward and claimed
ms fewaru, 'cun'~oniy 0e faiatiy imagined
cannot and will not attempt to describe it,"
- s., .I>s ~ Z. -
A BEAUTIFUL FLowER.-A friend presented
us day or two since with curiosity in the
shape Of flower, which, we think, is one Of the
greatest wonders of the floral kingdom we have
seen. 1t is about the size of walnut, perfectly
white, with fine leaves resembling very much
indeed the wax plant. Upon the blooming of
the flower, in the cup formed by leaves, is the
exact image of dove lying on its back, with
its wings extended. The peak of the bill and
the eyes are plainly TO be seen, and small leaf
before the flower arrived at maturity forms the
outspread tail. This leaf can be raised or shut
down with the fingers without breaking or APP
parently injuring it, until the flower reaches
its full bloom, when it drops.-Pananpa Star.
A CLERGYMAN riding across bridge near
where two men were fishing, overheard one of
them swearing most dreadfully. He dismouDt-
ed, tied his horse, and entered into CONVEX
sa,ion with the swearer, asking him many
questions about his employment, and at length
% what kind of bait he used 2" He answer
ed, A" different kinds for different fish," " But
cannot you catch fish without bait2" "No,"
said he, staring. at the minister, " they would
be great fools to bite at the bare hook"
/" But" said the minister" know fisherman
who catches many without bait" " But who
is he d" said the fisherman. -" 1t is the Devil,
and he catches swearers without bait Other
sinners want bait. but the silly swearer will