, 1889-03-16
c,nARI.s As enTeRrAlNERs.
An Old wrinkle Which Is BEING Revived
In san Francisco.

In san Francisco.
Birds are now used Us n pleasing
feature in the artistic decorations for
balls, parties, teas, weddings and other
society events. In his flight into the
drawing room or reception hall the
canary has not forced out any other
useful or ornamental display, but has
simply taken his place as a charming
addition TO the whole. II was the
custom years ago to conceal music
boxes ia the drawing rooms where
fashion met, so nicely arranged Us to
tunes and tone that they forced the
applause of even those who could not
guess the source of the melody. They
were very popular for a time, and
their popularity killed them. Mrs.
Seedy procured a couple for her sur
prise party, and that cifectually smote
the fad on the head.
The canary has taken the place of
the music box. From cages that are
themselves most helpful for decora-
tive purposes he sends forth a flood of
melody that fills the pauses in instru-
mental and vocal music. The orna-
mental cage is placed amid flowers or
evergreens, is frightened with ribbons
and ~tassels, and forms a very attrac-
tive feature of the beauties Of the
room.
But the bird lives n sad, fast life.
He is a creature of fashion and must
obey its dictates. Like the other so
ciety people he keeps very late hours
and soon shows the sign of dissipa-
ton. He quickly adopts the customs
of the ball room and reserves all his
music for the hours when he is placed
amid the beauty and light and per-
fume of the evening.
In the shop he is quiet and moody,
feels bored at the senseless chirp of
the bullfinch, turns up his bill at the
song of the plebeian canaryithat is ex-
posed for sale, and sits in sullen ST.
lence waiting for the moment when
from his beautiful brass prison, all
ribbons and t~assels, he can pour forth
his soul in an ecstasy of song.
a bird importing firm has a large
number of canaries on hand ''for
rent" They are now as much n part
of the decorations as the flowers and
evergrecns; as necessary rs the piano
or violin.
DO you have many orders for ANA
riesf" a member of the firm was asked.
Very many, especially at this
lAllt- We no u RTtaL uCll Oh utcOfu-
ting with the birds. That seems to
have become quite popular. They are
in great favor at children's parties,
where we send orders quite frequent
ly. For hotel displays and drawing
room receptions they are also in great
demand"
DO you always put them in brass
cages for partiesY'
Nearly always. That's part of the
decoration, you know. OF course,
when we send them TO hotels, perhaps
a hundred OF more, they go in the
wicker boxes, which are placed amid
ferns, flowers, wreaths and ever
greens. The effect is very fine, Civ
ing the room the appearance of a con
servatory."
Does the dissipation have any eff
feet on them2n
1T doesn't appear to have. II
makes n difference with them in the
store where they remain a triile quiet.
Just as soon rs they get into the rooms
where the party is TO be held, how
ever, they brighten up, hop around
and chirp and gossip and sing like
the guests. They arc very interest
ing in their ways, and are no trouble.
We have the feed boxes so arranged
that nothing can get out of the cages,
so that need not fear getting
shells i'll his,eyes when looking up ut
hem."-San Francisco Chronicle.