Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-11-08
CANARY BIRDS.

So many questions are asked us about canary
birds, especially as to care breeding: etc. that
we reply TO them In a general artlcle. rms
pretty little captive bird-and its prison Is O
HAPPY one, or shO Id be made So-getS Its CON-
mon name from the Canary Isles, where it
aDounds In its wild state and Is Clothed 10 gray
white, yellow, and green OF the domeSticated
varieties The canary birds have long been es
teemed for their beauty and melody, and were
domestcated in Europe nearly three centuries
ago, where, at the present time, they are bred
on an extensive scale, especially In France and
Germany, from which countries we import them
by the tens OF thousands. The canary-bird trade
is vastly greater than would be supposed by
those who have not looked into the subject.
and what beautiful shows they must bel
for the last half century, at which
large prizes have been awarded among the
d11erent varieties. which are reckOned up by
dozens. SO far as looks are concerned, bird Is
valued according to the purity of its colOring, or
II I'm, mixed In proportion as the markings are reg.
ular. A notified or spotted bird is not held in
much esteem, while one which is pure yellow,
or a yellow with black wings and tail, is greatly
the choice of bird it is best to observe the rule
Sacrifice color to accomplishment" Nature
seldom unites rare beauty and great accomplish
ments. A person should not reject a sweet
singer because its tail feathers are gone; they
will soon come out; but this can not be said OF
the voice where 1t Is wanting. Some estimate
prefer the softer-and we think sweeter-tones,
In fact have almost been incenSed by the noise
which some birds will make when they sing.
First, as to Cages, OF which there are many
different styles, but none should sacrifice the
comfort of the bird or endanger its life. The
large wooden frame cages are fast passing OUT
OF date, and are superseded by those made en-
trely OF metal, which are neater, lighter, easier
cleaned, and less liable to harbor insects. The
wire, against which bird will often pick more
or less. should never be coated with paint, as 1t
may cause its death. Ample provision should be
made for food and water within the cages, and
there should be proper arrangement for hang
hang it than by ribbon, which in time will
wear out when the cage and contents may
have a fall. Perches and swing will Of course
beprovided CanaTies are very fond of bath, and
should be given water for one nearly every d. ~.
The tub should be removed when the bath is
over. To see the little fellow enjoy the splash
Above all things in the keeping OF birds, neat
ness is of the greatest Importance. They
need attention every day: If the bird Is g too
much of a trouble then do not keep it a day.
Birds are very tender things, and as such are
very susceptible to treatment, good or bad.
They should have plenty of air and light, but
not the dazzling sunshine. bird should not
BE- out-ofdoorS when the air is at all chilly; and
in winter it is cruel to leave 1t in room in
which the temperature goes down to freezing
"What shall we feed our birds ?" is a question
frequently asked, and it is an important one, as
their health depends largely upon their food.
tens demand plain diet. The natural food of
the canaries is seeds and green heritage, and a
mixture OF rape, canary, and lump seed. to-
gether with cnickweed, cress, cabbage, &C., is
found to be the most healthful A cuttle-tish
bone, sold at the drug stores) hung in the cage,
viii furnish the lime they need, and which they
find in the wild state.
Perhaps the most important point Is to know
what to do when the bird is sick With proper
care they seldom Sicken. but sometimes illness
is unavoidable. Birds will, without any appar-
ent reason, take colds followed by sneezing and
hOarSeneSS. For this a bit of Liquorice, put in
the drinking water, proves beneficial In case
OF loss Of appetite, shedding Of feathers, and
able. Young birds are frequently troubled
with "Gapes," and should have an abundance
OF green food and be kept in warm place. Ca
naItes that are not properly cared for will be In;
tested with lice, for which q little Aniseed
mixed with the gravel on the floor is a preven-
tive. Epilepsy is caused by too ricn food; the
diarrh9a put rusty nail in the drinking water
and chalk, broken fine, on the floor, emitting all
green food. "A bird well cared for-and the care
is by no means greats cheerful and cheer
ing companion. If one loves such a pet-and
most people do-the care is more than repaid
in bright plumage, graceful actions, and sweet
music Of these little birds.-l4mertcan AJricuL-
tufiSt