The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

I ALWAYS HEARD THAT MINERS TOOK CANARY BIRDS DOWN INTO THE MINES.
IF POCKETS OF POISON GAS WERE CUT INTO, THE BIRD WOULD KEEL
OVER. THE MINERS WOULD THEN KNOW THAT POISON GAS WAS PRESENT
AND WOULD LEAVE THE MINE. I NEVER REALLY SAW A BIRD BEING
TAKEN INTO A MINE, BUT IT WAS COMMONLY SUPPOSED BY MOST PEOPLE
THAT THEY WERE.

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE

Date learned: 07-28-1968