170 ST0RIE6 ABOUT BIRDS. 



the table, again left him. I wished to preserve 

 his life, and had gone off in search of suitable 

 food for him. As I descended the stairs, I 

 heard him again hard at work, and on entering 

 had the mortification to perceive that he had 

 entirely ruined the mahogany table to Avhich he 

 was fixstened, and on which he had wreaked his 

 whole vengeance. AVhile engaged taking the 

 drawing of him, he cut me severely in several 

 places, and on the whole displayed such a noble 

 and unconquerable spirit that I was frequently 

 tempted to restore him to his native woods. 

 He lived with me nearly three days, but re- 

 fused all sustenance, and I witnessed his death 

 with regret. 



"The head and biU of this bird," adds Mr. 

 Wilson, " are in great esteem among the south- 

 ern Indians, who wear them by way of amulet 

 or chain, as well as ornament, and it is said 

 dispose of them to the northern tribes at con- 

 siderable prices. An Indian beheves that the 

 head, skin, or even feathers of certain birds, 

 confer on the wearer all the virtues or excel- 

 lences of those birds." 



