Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1891-06-25
TALKING CANARIES.
veathered Pets that Learned the Language
of Their Proud Owners.

of Their Proud Owners.
It seems almost Incredible that a
canary could be taught to speak; never
theless, there have been well authentl-
Gated cases in which this seemingly
impossible feat has been accomplished.
The most notable instance was that
of canary exhibited in London in 1888,
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 to say
they entirely neglected the little one,
and Immediately rebuilt 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 its
being treated in this manner. separated
from all other birds, caused it to become
very familiar with it's 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 it's mis-
tress, it astonished her one day by sud
denly repeating the words "kissie!
kissie"' This became an every day
occurrence, and from time to 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
FOL iop, ha itS mic
tress-"Miss Minnie!'' kiss me, dear
little Titchie!'' ''Wee, gee, gee. Titchie
faculty for whistling, the first bar of
God Save the Queen" being it's favor
lite air
Another talking canary is said to have
been exhibited in London in 1888, but
all authorities agree that it was in no
way equal to the one described.
Gray, the noted poet, gives very
minute account of canary owned by
a woman who kept coffee house in
Pail Mall, London, and states that this
bird could whistle no less than twenty
different tunes.
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 large
sum of money for her feathered pet.
The woman steadfastly refused, saying
she was well-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 it's
marks and other distinguishing feat
ures. Seeing his errand was fruitless
one, he determined to compass 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 favorable opportunity present
ed itself slipped the wrong bird into the
cage, the right one into his pocket, and
fastened to Lady Sandwiches 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 it's &C
customed place, remarked to the pro-
prietor:
"Ah, my dear woman, I 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 to part with the dear
little creature! Why, if your lordship
will believe me, as sure as I'm Chris
tian, it's a 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 remarkable fealty
Of her pet.-Detroit Free Press.