CAROLINA PARROT. 549 



The Carolina Parrot is readily tamed, and early shows 

 an attachment to those around who bestow any attention 

 on its wants ; it soon learns to recollect its name, and to 

 answer and come when called on. It does not, however, 

 evince much, if any capacity, for mimicking human 

 speech, or sounds of any kind ; and, as a domestic, is 

 very peaceable and rather taciturn. It is extremely 

 fond of nuts and almonds, and may be supported on the veg- 

 etable food usually given to other species. One which I 

 saw at Tuscaloosa, a week after being disabled in the 

 wing, seemed perfectly reconciled to its domestic condi- 

 tion ; and as the weather was rather cold, it remained the 

 greater part of the time in the house, climbing up the 

 sides of the wire fender to enjoy the warmth of the fire. 

 I was informed, that when first caught it scaled the side 

 of the room, at night, and roosted in a hanging posture 

 by the bill and claws ; but finding the labor difficult and 

 fruitless, having no companion near which to nestle, it 

 soon submitted to pass the night on the back of a chair. 



When placed in a cage out of doors, in a suitable situ- 

 ation, the call of the prisoner instantly awakens the sym- 

 pathy of the passing flocks, who from the neighbouring 

 trees sometimes enter into communion with their disabled 

 or detained companion. A caged bird, as with some 

 of the other species, and particularly the ' Inseparable,' is 

 extremely pleased with the society of a companion, and 

 they are observed to roost side by side, even thrusting 

 their heads, at such times, into the plumage of each 

 other, and thus, by a variety of delicate attentions, 

 succeed in ameliorating the misfortunes of confinement 

 and unnatural restraint. Even her own image in a look- 

 ing-glass often seems to diminish the weariness of soli- 

 tude, and by the side of this pleasing phantom, the Parrot 

 or the Canary sinks satisfied to repose. 



