THE LORIES AND LORIKEETS. 167 



perceive, for example, in a striking manner in the case of my 

 two Blue-breasted Lories, for whereas the older never utters a 

 sound which even faintly resembles a word, the other, which is 

 certainly a very young bird, goes on chattering all sorts of 

 things. Anyone wishing to teach a lory to speak must keep it 

 separate, away from the allurements and cries of others. Differ- 

 ence of sex, in respect of speech, is certainly unimportant. In 

 my opinion, the lories, at least the larger species, are not surpassed 

 by any other parrots in capability for training and teaching. It 

 cannot be denied that there are among them some birds which 

 are morose and impracticable, nor that they may be completely 

 spoiled by ill-judged treatment, and made ill-tempered, self- 

 willed, and obstinate." The old writers, even Seba, as early as 

 the year 1734, then Edwards, and Buff on down to Bechstein, 

 speak highly of some species as speakers, and this is confirmed by 

 the traveller. Dr. A. B. Meyer, who observed them in their 

 natural haunts, and who adds that they may be reckoned among 

 our best talking parrots, only they need long and tiresome 

 training, and one must constantly notice them. 



In addition to the commendable qualities already mentioned, 

 Mr. Scheuba speaks of their comical play and wrestling, when 

 first one and then another lies on its back and tries to drive away 

 the other with beak and feet ; also of their slim, pretty forms, 

 and the total harmlessness of their bites in comparison with 

 those of many species, and especially of the large parrots. 

 He thinks that they must continue to attract admirers in in- 

 creasing numbers. 



CHAP. LXII.— THE BEOAD-TAILED, OE TEUE LOEIES. 



Domicella, Wgl. 

 Description. 



The Broad-tailed, or True Lories, are the prettiest and most 

 charming of their family. Although active and lively, they are 

 gentler than their congeners with the pointed tail. Their 

 special marks are as follows : A powerful beak, mostly as deep 

 as it is long, compressed at the sides ; the upper mandible has 

 a rounded ridge, much bent point, and is slightly hollowed out ; 

 the lower beak also compressed, with straight socket edge. 



