The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-07-09
TALKING CANARlES.
Eeeekered Pets that Learned the Language
of Their Proud Owners.

Eee.kered Pets that Learned the Language
of Their Proud Owners.
Is seems almost Incredible that
canary could be taught 60 speak; never
theless, there have been well autheutf-
Gated cases in which this seemingly
impossible feat has been accomplished
The most notable instance was that
of canary exhibited in London in 1858.
and it had most remarkable history.
Its parents had previously successfully
reared several broods, but in the early
part of the year in question Matched out
but one of four eggs. Strange 70 say,
they entirely neglected the little one,
and Immediately rebuilt a nest over
it. The owners of the birds acct
dentally discovered this fact, and re-
moved 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 it's
being treated in this manner, separated
from ali other birds, caused it to become
very familiar with its foster parents
and its first singing notes were entirely
different from those uttered by the ordi-
nary canaries. Being continually adj
dressed in endearing terms by its mis-
tress, it astonished her one day by sud-
denly repeating the words ''KissieI
kissie" This became an everyday
occurrence, and from time 10 time
other terms were added to the vo-
cabulary. For hours together. except
during the moulting season, this extra
ordinary bird would call out in tones al
most as clear as If uttered by human
voice such sentences as Dear sweet
Titchiep'-the name given it by its mis-
tress-"Miss Minnie!'' kiss me, dear
Minniep "Kissie kissie! kissie, sweet
little Titchier' "Wee, gee, gee, Titchis
sweet Titchier' 1t also developed
faculty for whi9tling. the first bar of
God Save the Queen" being its favor
tie air.
Another talking canary is said toahave
been exhibited in London in 1888, but
all authorities agree that it was IN Nd
way equal to the one described.
Gray, the noted poet, gives a very
minute account of a canary owned by
a woman who kept coffee house in
bird could whistle no less than twenty
different tuness
The noted Lady Sandwich was a
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 pro-
ceeded to the coffee house and made
overtures to the owner, offering a large
sum of money for her feathered pet.
The woman steadfastly refused, saying
sheawas weli-to-do, and would not part
with it under any circumstances.
Peterborough, during the converse
ton, watched the bird with the great
est attention, and took note of all its
marks and other distinguishing feat
ures. Seeing his errand Was a fruitless
one, he determined o'com pass his ends
by deceit, and after long search sue
ceeded in purchasing a bird which was
a counterpart of the one coveted.
Shortly after the first interview he
sauntered into the coffee-house, and
when a favorable opportunity present.
ed itself slipped the wrong bird into the
cage, the right one into his pocket, and
fastened to Lady Sandwf chs domicile.
This was about the time, of the revOlu-
ton, and many months later he dropped
into the coffee-house, and seeing the
substituted bird still hanging in its ac-
customed place, remarked to the pro-
prietor:
''Ah, my dear woman. I guess you
have often regretted your refusal OF the
money l offered you for that bird. "
Money!" exclaimed the old lady;
mo, nor ten times that amount would
now persuade me to part with the dear
little creature! Why, if your loriship
will believe me. as sure as I'm Chris
tian, its fact that the poor bird has
moped and never once opened its pretty
lips since the day that the poor king
went away
1t is almost needless to state that his
lordship did not disabuse her mind of
this notion and she probably died firm
in the belief of the remarka BILE fealty
of her pet.-DctrOit Free Press.