"To the reverend gentleman who gives us this book we owe much; it is so admirably done as to be thoroughly perfect as far as the subject goes. He tells us everything about the canary, and in the pleasantest manner, enlivening his story with many anecdotes. It is written in a tender and loving spirit; lucky are the birds who have so sympathetic and considerate a master, and fortunate is the master who owns so many beautiful birds; for the charming pictures that decorate the volume are so many portraits of '_the author's own pets_.' Mr. Smith is not a writer who has produced a book 'to order;' he has obviously loved his task. Years of thought and study, and familiarity with his subject in all its bearings, have enabled him to tell us everything needful to be known by those who keep the bird--one or many; how best to be its friend and its doctor; how to improve without impairing nature; how, in a word, the extremest amount of enjoyment may be derived from the cultivation of those delicious little inmates of our homes. The book is a delightful book; it may give pleasure to those who do not keep the birds; but to those who do it will be indispensable."--_Art Journal._ "A tasteful little book, written evidently by an enthusiast in the study of the beautiful and innocent creatures whose habits he describes. It is likely to make the canary a greater favourite than ever."--_Morning Star._ "A large amount of pleasure combined with much curious information, may be easily enjoyed by families or young folks who choose to follow Mr. Smith's directions. The book is written in a pleasing style, and will take its place as a popular manual and an ornament for the drawing-room table."--_The Student._ "The style in which the author details the various incidents connected with his little pets is so pleasant and so alluring, that really one feels inclined on laying down the book to rush out forthwith to the nearest dealer, and without delay secure the necessary material for the formation of an aviary."--_City Press._ "This volume contains matter valuable to all who are interested in its subject; while to those who have never paid attention to the canary the work can hardly fail to open up a source of attraction. The reverend author is an enthusiastic lover of the bird, and the result of his experience should find favour with all who share his enthusiasm."--_Glasgow Herald._ GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS, 5, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Natural History of Cage Birds, by J. M. Bechstein