PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. IN consequence of the great and rapid progress that has been made during the past ten years in the art of Canary-breeding, I have found it necessary to issue a Third Edition of the CANARY BOOK. In doing so I have endeavoured to treat fully and accurately upon every subject of interest to lovers and breeders of these delightul pets. I have now given a full and complete account of those direlul maladies, Typhus and Scarlet Fever, the result of over twenty years experience and study since my first discovery of these diseases attacking birds. Their cause, prevention, and general treatment are fully discussed. Further, I have included information on some maladies not hitherto mentioned, and have extended my remarks on other complaints from which birds are known to suffer. Other subjects not previously dealt with in this or any other work on Canaries are also treated, and I have endeavoued to set right several matters that have hitherto given rise to contention and heart- burning among fanciers generally. On several varieties of Canaries, including Yorkshire Fancies, Norwich Plainheads, Lancashire Coppies, Lizards, London Fancies, and Zernlans, I have considerably extended my remarks, and have given the fullest information possible about the modern Crested Norwich, Cinnamons, Cinnamon Crests, Evenly-Marked Cinnamons, and the Modern Scotch Fancy birds of the most approved types with instructions how to breed, rear, and prepare thein for exhibition. Particulars of the variety now known as the Border Fancy are also included. In fact, I may fairly claim that the book is brought completely up to date. Several new plates of birds of the most modern type have been added, while those which I consider out of date have been removed. The latest and most reliable recipes for obtaining the best specimens of Red- and Yellow-fed birds will be found, as well as formula for the preparation of other foods to be used during the breeding- and moulting-seasons. All the information given in my previons editions which will enable amateurs and others to trace the progress that has been made in this science during the past eighteen years, has been retained, and the present edition may, I confidently think, be fairly considered as complete and searching as the most fastidious fancier could desire it to be.
