Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1878-07-26
SOME TRAINED CANARIES.
AN ENTERTAINING SKETCH FOR THE YoUN,
FOLKS.

Here, Dick Pretty little pet.'
The words, accompanied by that peculiar
chirpng whistle so often used in attracting
the attention of birds We're echoed by the
sweet warbling of beautiful little canary,
who.flew from his cage and perched upon the
outstretched hand of clever adept at the art
of magic, who had been engaged for some
time in entertaining large audience, among
which the writer was fortunate enough TO
have secured place.
The magican-Or prestidigitateur, as he
was styled on the large Illuminated placards
i'll front of the theatre entrance, having wei
coined the bird with fond kiss announced
that he would now give his little pets, of
which there was n large cage full upon the
table near at hand, an opportunity of anus
ing the spectators with some tricks that had
been taught them.
Having thus briefly introduced his trained
canaries he directed the attention of the
spectators to n miniature tight rope, erected
on the table near the cage in which the birds
We're merrily singing. 1t was constructed
like the tight-ropes one sees sometimes at the
circus, the rope itself being stretched across
the forked points of two props, about foot
apart from each other, and fastened to the
table so as to present the outline of gabled
farmhouse roof. The spectators having eX-
amined the rope, the magician caused Dick
W mop lIOIll MS lhilNl W lllS libiC' IiNh up
tiny silk flag with coy daintiness that was
very coquettish, and Mt certain signal fly
with it in his beak to the end of the tight
rope.
He then fastened another flag in the prop
farthest from Dick, and made another sign to
the bird. No sooner was it given than Dick,
still holding the first flag in his beak, walked
slowly up the tight-rope with solemn dignity,
lifting one foot after the other with all the
care and precision of a real acrobat, and, hav-
ing at length reached the farthest prop,
caught the flag fastened there with one of his
feet. and balancing himself on one leg,
turned his head from side to side, causing the
flag in his beak to wave, as a signal of his
capture of the enemys banner.
The trick finished Dick, at "A sign from his
master, flew back to the cage.
When he had gone the magician placed on
the table a tiny open carriage, and announced
that some of his pets would next enjoy their
| evening drive to the Park. With that he
| gave a peculiar whistle, which was answered
instantly by little canary who flew to him.
warbling few glad notes of welcome that
echoed sweotly through the hall. The magi-
clan took the bird tenderly in his hands, and
with much dexterity fitted on his body n
| small dress-coat and vest of broadcloth, which
were kept in place by means of an elastic
| band that fastened around the birds throat
| He next placed on his head IA miniature bea-
yer hat that almost rivalled III neatness and
| polish the hat of n grown-up gentleman of
| fashion. His costume was completed by mt
| ting on Il pair of loose trousers, after which
| he was placed on the right-hand seat of the
carriage, where he sat with staid dignity that
might have done honor to a veritable million
| aire.
Having finished the birds toilet the magi-
clan whistled again, and second canary
| flew to him. whom he i'll turn attired in n I'll
| ny lady's carriage costume, to the "ft" and
"set of which fear the young lady readers
| of Wide Awake would take n most decided
exception. Her ry-ship, however, seemed
| quite satisfied with the garment; Mt least, she
did not struggle against having it put on, on
| give any other evidence of displeasure while
her head was decked in little bonnet with Il
most bewitching feather, that must surely
have made sad havoc among the hearts of the
more susceptible young gentlemen canaries
if they saw it while prOmenadng the drive.
Her toilet having been completed she was
placed in the carriage beside her dignihec
husband.
Again the magician whistled, and once
more the signal was responded to by cana
ry, who, in jiify was dressed in tiny sui
of loose fitting livery, with gilt buttons anC
cOckaded beaver, everything, in fact, eX
| y
The gilt buttons however, were mere empty
deceptions, or at most matters of form, fo
the entire suit, coat, vest and trousers, fast
ened from behind with n ribbon.
The little footman's beaver having beel
fastened carefully on his head, he was perchet
up behind his master and MISTRESS on TIN
seat set aside for footmen, such as may b.
seen on any fashionable carriage.
There was now only wanting team t.
complete the grand turnout, and this wa
soon furnished by two more canaries, VIII
were quickly harnessed to the carriage b.
means of tiny leather bands fastened to httl
collars which were placed around their necks
whip was then placed at the side of tn
dash board, and two pairs of reins fastened T.
the collars of the team, and put in the bea
of the bird millionaire.
Everything being now in readiness for tn
start the magician gave the signal, and ava
went the canary team in fine style, draggin
the carriage after them, the whole presentin
so capital picture, in miniature, of genu
inc carriage and bays bowling along fash
ionable promenade that the spectators brOk
forth in loud applause, which the magicia
acknowledged in behalf of the little birds b
graceful bow.
When the carriage had driven entirel
around the table, the team wheeled about an
returned home, where they were unharnesse
and the occupants of the carriage taken oui
undressed, and all five permitted to fly bac
to their cage.
After the birds had retired the magicia
announced that a more tragic performance
which he called "The Fate of a Traitor,