The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

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]

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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?

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