128 



or ploughsbaie bone of the skull is absent. The tongue 

 is thick and fleshy, and is in the Lories and Lorikeets 

 furnished with numerous moveable papillae. 



The classification of the Parrots presents less 

 difficult}' than that of some other families of birds. For 

 our present purpose they ma}' be roughly divided into 

 four principal groups or sub-families, bearing in mind, 

 however, that this is not a strictly scientific classifi- 

 cation. First, the true or Short-tailed Parrots, of which 

 the Grey Parrot is the most familiar example, and which 

 also includes the Lovebirds and other small Parrots ; 

 secondly^ the Parrakeets or Long-tailed Parrots with 

 which we may take the Macaws; thirdly, the Cockatoos 

 or Crested Parrots with which we may take the Cocka- 

 tiel ; and fourthly, the Lories or Brush-tongued Parrots, 

 which latter may be sub-divided into the true or Short- 

 tailed Lories and the Long-tailed Lories or Lorikeets. 



The Parrots are essentially tropical birds, but are 

 also found in the temperate parts of Australia and New 

 Zealand. No species exists at present in Europe, though 

 fossil remains shew that this was not always the case. 



The larger species of Parrots are, in confinement, 

 kept as a rule separately in cages or chained to stands, 

 as it is generally found impracticable, owing to their 

 destructive habits, to allow them a greater degree of 

 liberty, and it mnst be admitted that, under these 

 circumstances, their intelligence, affection for their 

 owner, and talking powers become developed to a far 

 greater degree than when in a state of comparative 

 freedom. The square metal cages which are commonly 

 sold are suitable enough if sufificiently roomy ones be 

 selected — those with china vessels for food and water are 

 best, and wooden perches must always be used. A Parrot 

 on a stand is always a depressing object, as it can get 

 but little exercise — a large cage is preferable. 



The smaller and less destructive species are far more 

 happy and far more interesting if kept in a large outdoor 

 aviary, where, under favourable conditions, many will 

 breed. All Parrots and Parrakeets require an occasional 



