The state herald., 1891-07-10
TALKING CANARY PETS.
THEY LEARNED THE LANGUAGE
OF THEIR OWNERS.
1t Seems Incredible, but There Arc Well
Authcnt ticntcd C8ses-One Can
whistle Bar Of "God
Save the 0ncen."

IT seems almost incredible that n CIT
nary could be taught to speak. never
theless, there have been well authenti-
Gated cases in which this. seemingly
impossible feat has been accomplished.
Tho most notable instance was that
OF canary exhibited in London in
1858, and it had II most remarkable
history. Its parents had previously
successfully reared several broods, but
in the early part of the year in ques-
tion Matched out but one OF four eggs.
Strange to say, they entirely neglected
the little one, and Immediately rebuilt
nest over it. Tho owners Of the
bird accidentally discovered this fact,
and removed the forsaken one almost
dead. 1t was placed in flannel by the
fire, and after the greatest attention
was restored and raised by hand. The
fact Of its being treated in this manner,
separated from all other birds, caused
1t to become very familiar with its fos-
ter parents and its first singing notes
were entirely different from those ut
tered by ordinary canaries. Being
continually addressed in endearing
terms by its mistress, it astonished her
one day by suddenly repeating the
words "Kissie! kissie!n This became
IN every day occurrence, and 'om
time to time other terms wero added
to its vocabulary. For hours together
except during the mOulting season,
this extraordinary bird would call out
in tones almost as clear as II uttered
by human voice such sentences nj
'.Dear sweet Titchic!n name
given 1t by its mistress kiss Min
nic!" kiss me, dear Minpie!" .'Kis-
sic! kissic! kissie! sweet little Titchiem
Wee, gee, gee, Titchie, sweet itch
ieH 1t also developed faculty for
whistling, the first bar of God Save
the Queen" being its favorite air
Another talking canary is said to
have been exhibited in London in
1888, hut all the authorities agree
that 1t was in no way equal to the one
described.
Gray, the noted poet gives very
minute account OF a canary owned by
a woman who kept coffee house in
"it isoiihoii, tIdt tflls
bird could whistle no less than twenty
different tunes.
The noted Lady Sandwich was
great lover of birds, and hearing of
the wonderful performances OF this
canary became very anxious to possess
it. She accordingly deputized her
friend Lord Peterborough to purchase
it. He proceeded to the coffee house
and made overtures to the owner,
Offering large sum Of money for her
feathered pet The woman steadfastly
refused, saying she was well-to-do,
and would not part with 1t under any
circumstances.
Peterborough, during the CONVERSE
tion. watched the bird with the great
est attention, and took note Of all its
marks and other distinguishing fea-
lures. Seeing his eriand was fruit
less one, he determined to compass his
ends by deceit, and aftcra long search
succeeded in purchasing bird which
was counterpart OF the ono coveted.
Shortly after tho first interview he
sauntered into the cofTce-h house. and
when favorable opportunity pre-
sented itself slipped the wrong bird
into the cage. the right one into his
pocket. nnc hastened To Lady Sand
wich's domicilc. This was about the
time Of the revolution. and mnny
months later ho dropped into the
coiIee-house, and seeing the sul-ti-
tuted bird still hanging in its accus-
toned place, remarked TO the propri-
etor:
"Ah, my dear woman. | guess You
have often regretted your refusal OF
the money | offered you for that bird "
Money! exclaimed the old lady;
mo. nor ten times that amount would
now persuade me 10 part with the dear
little creature' Why, II your lordship
will believe me, rs sure as I'm chris
tim, It's fnct that the poor bird has
mopcd and never once opened its
pretty lips since the day that tho poor
king went away"
IL Is almost needless 10 state that
his lordship did not disabusc her mind
OF this notion and she probably died
firm In the belief Of the remarkable
fealty OF her pet.