These are
warm, sunny islands not far from the west coast of Africa. Winter is
almost unknown there, and before the bird-catchers came the canaries
must have led happy lives.
The birds were trapped and sent to all the countries of Europe. The
first canaries brought to America came from Germany in 1842. It was a
long voyage in a sailing-vessel, and many of the poor little prisoners
died on the way.
The birds are put into wicker cages so small that there is scarcely room
to stretch their wings. These cages are packed in boxes or crates, and
one hundred and sixty-eight birds are sent in one crate.
The birds are kept in the tiny cages until they are sold. The cups of
food and water are put inside the cages. Sometimes when they are moved
to a larger cage, the birds do not know where to look for their food.
They have been known to die of hunger because they could not find their
seed-cups, which in their new cages are on the outside.
Every day, when the cage is cleaned, fresh water and food should be
placed in it. Birds like a daily bath in a shallow dish of tepid water.
After the bath they should have an hour or two of liberty. It is unkind
to keep them shut up in a cage all the time.
After a bird has had his morning frolic he should not be chased or
frightened into his cage.
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