84 THE CAROLINA PABROT. 



of the cage ; chattered to it in a low tone of voice, as if 

 sympathizing in its misfortune; scratched about its head 

 and neck with her bill j and both at night nestled as close 

 as possible to each other, sometimes Poll's head being 

 thrust among the plumage of the other. On the death of 

 this companion, she appeared restless and inconsolable for 

 several days. 



On reaching New Orleans, I placed a looking-glass beside 

 the place where she usually sat, and the instant she per- 

 ceived her image, all her former fondness seemed to return, 

 BO that she could scarcely absent herself from it a moment. 

 It was evident that she was completely deceived. Always 

 when evening drew on, and often during the day, she laid 

 her head close to that of the image in the glass, and began 

 to doze with great composure and satisfaction. In this 

 short space she had learned to know her name ; to answer, 

 and come when called on ; to climb up my clothes, sit on 

 my shoulder, and eat from my mouth. I took her with me 

 to sea, determined to persevere in her education; but^ 

 destined to another fate, poor Poll, having one morning, 

 about day-break, wrought her way through *Jie cage, while 

 I was asleep, instantly flew overboard an*' perisbjed in the 

 Gulf of Mexico. 



