Juniata Sentinel And Republican

The Canary a Very Sensible Bird.

As a general rule, you cannot give a bird too much fresh air. Even in the winter time, although it is never safe or expedient to hang the cage in the window, it is advisable to throw open the window once or twice a day and let in the air. Canaries are tender creatures, but they will stand a low temperature—as low as fifty degrees—providing they be out of reach of draughts. A temperature not lower than 60 degrees is perhaps more desirable, and this should be maintained day and night if possible. More birds sicken and die from diseases contracted by exposure to night chilliness than from any other known causes. Again, the air of the room should not be overheated or suffused with gas. If of a morning you should chance to observe the same tinge gathering on the wings of your canary that is constantly noticeable on silver plate in winter, the chances are that coal gas has much to do with it. On the other hand, the odor of tobacco smoke, instead of injuring, seems to have the tendency to improve the brightness of the plumage, and at the same time to put more vigor into the canary's song. Were I writing without some experience, I should unhesitatingly say, never subject your birds at all to tobacco smoke. But facts appear to controvert any counsel of that order: for my own birds, whenever tobacco is lighted, will, if the cage doors are open, immediately fly toward the smoker, and vie with each other in getting into the densest cloud. Having sniffed the aroma, they will light upon the shoulder, or the back of the chair, and pour forth the sweetest harmonies of the day. Permit me to suggest, then, plenty of fresh air, and even moderate temperature and occasionally tobacco smoke. Be sure, however, that during and after smoking a current of fresh air is allowed to pass through and ventilate the room.—Appleton's Journal.