48 THE SPEAKING PARROTS. 



birds of a species wliich is known to be weak and delicate, or 

 witb very valuable birds. It may also be done if the bird stands 

 in a room which becomes much lower in temperature during 

 the night, or in which the parrot would be disturbed by a 

 number of persons coming and going. But on no account must 

 this be overdone, for it is very apt to make the bird become 

 delicate. Therefore, a thick woollen cloth must not be chosen, 

 or, if such be considered absolutely necessary, a thinner one 

 should be taken for the summer. I recommend sackcloth, or 

 carefully cleansed sacking of stout hemp or jute. These have the 

 advantage of not being too warm in summer, and yet of being 

 sufficient to keep out the cold in winter. Moreover, they are 

 especially suitable for the purpose, because the bird cannot 

 pull off threads and fluff, which may so easily be done from 

 woollen or cotton materials, the swallowing of these often 

 causing disease. 



The plumage needs great care, and this it should get in the case 

 of all cage birds, but particularly parrots. One must see, in 

 order to believe, in what a miserable condition our feathered 

 friends from the Tropics arrive. Ragged, frequently almost 

 featherless, sometimes bleedmg in several places, the end joints 

 of the wings beaten off by continual uncontrolled flapping, 

 bleeding, or even festering, with the hard firmly-fixed stumps of 

 feathers ; the lower part of the body and the feet, sometimes 

 the whole body, very dirty ; or, when in better condition, 

 with better plumage, yet the feathers of one, or usually of both 

 wings, and even of the tail, very much cut. Now at once to set 

 about a thorough course of treatment for the plumage of this 

 pitiable new-comer would be the surest method of killing it ; 

 it must be done gradually, and with the utmost caution. 



After the parrot has quite settled down, and become to some 

 extent acclimatised, for which about four or six weeks will 

 be necessary, attention must be paid to the plumage. The 

 dealers moisten the whole body by means of the mouth, 

 either merel}'' with lukewarm water, or with some to which 

 about a fourth part of rum or brandy has been added. 

 The amateur can do this by means of a syringe or dust- 

 ing brush. The alcohol and water must not be allowed to 

 get into the eyes and beak. The cage should be placed in a 

 tub, and syringed from all sides, so that the whole body is 

 well wetted. Or, if preferred, on a hot summer's day, the 

 bird may be put out in a heavy shower of rain. In any case, the 



