124 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 



the cornfields near Mathewstown and cause great destruction to the 

 crops. At this season they become cjuite tame, and quantities of 

 tliem are killed by the negroes. We found them abundant near 

 Northwest Point during the month of June, but at that time they 

 were very shy and difficult to shoot. The natives capture them 

 when young, and they become very tame and learn to speak quickly. 



One afternoon, while shooting in the vicinity of Northwest 

 Point, Inagua, I suddenly came upon a large flock of Parrots, which 

 flew from one tree to another, uttering harsh cries as I approached 

 One specimen which I shot was merely wing-tipped, and with the 

 aid of my coat I was enabled to capture the little fellow, without 

 giving him a chance to use his bill, which, from the way he screamed 

 and struggled, he evidently had a great desire to do. He lived for 

 several days, and became quite docile ; but one morning being left 

 alone, his curiosity prompted him to explore among some freshly 

 poisoned skins, and upon my return I found him lying dead upon 

 the floor of the cabin. 



The eggs of this species are generally deposited in a hollow tree. 

 The negroes say that of late years the nest is rarely found, as the 

 birds repair to the interior of the island to breed. 



