RECORD: Darwin, C. R. & Emma Darwin. [1840]. Abstract of Montagu, Ornithological dictionary, etc. CUL-DAR205.11.51. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 12.2022. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volume CUL-DAR205.11 contains notes on Instinct, change in habit.

Montagu, George. 1802-13. Ornithological dictionary; or, alphabetical synopsis of British birds. ed. by James Rennie. London. [? ed.] [Abstract in CUL-DAR205.7(2).192-8.]

Darwin recorded reading and abstracting this work in his "Books to be read" notebook Text CUL-DAR119.- : "Maer (June 10 to Nov. 14. 1840)"

"Montagu's Ornithological Dict ed. by Rennie. well read. Pencil References at Maer".


[51]

Ch X

Montagu Dict. p 71. Rennie on canary upwards of 30 varieties. Number constantly increasing. Syme says wild birds from Canary more resemble siskin of Germany than the tame canary. 2 chief divisions in Canary's the plain & variegated & the pinks. The first property consists of the whole body being of a fine orange. The 2nd property is feathers of wing & tail being of a dark black.

Dispositions of canary varies as much as colour some cocks assists the hens. The grey canary will never build. Brent?


This document has been accessed 250 times

Return to homepage

Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

File last updated 9 October, 2023