eardroppings: We’re not aware of it because it’s inaccurate. The problem in coal mines is not lack of oxygen, but traces of methane and carbon monoxide that can kill miners. The canary is much more sensitive to these gases than humans, and hence is used as a living alarm system. (I guess “dying alarm system” would be more accurate, sadly.)
We were making “methane jokes,” if you will. Hence reference to beans, cabbage, etc.
Just all havin’ a good time at the poor canary’s expense!
eardroppings: We’re not aware of it because it’s inaccurate. The problem in coal mines is not lack of oxygen, but traces of methane and carbon monoxide that can kill miners. The canary is much more sensitive to these gases than humans, and hence is used as a living alarm system. (I guess “dying alarm system” would be more accurate, sadly.) We were making “methane jokes,” if you will. Hence reference to beans, cabbage, etc.
Just all havin’ a good time at the poor canary’s expense!