THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 71 



gentle if treated kindly and kept in good health. The temper is 

 influenced by the health in parrots as much as in men and women. 



]S"ext in importance to the grey parrot I should place the large 

 White Cockatoo ; for although this species never becomes loquacious, 

 and is not particularly imitative, its beauty and gentleness render it 

 most desirable. It is, in some sense, a mistake to have only one of 

 these birds ; they should be kept in pairs, for then they become 

 immensely interesting; their mutual tender regard, their little 

 quarrels, and their reconcilements, afford immense entertainment. 

 I have a pair that are usually kept in separate cages, side by side, 

 but are occasionally together in one cage. When one of these only 

 is kept in a house, it is apt to become bare on the breast through 

 plucking off its feathers— the cousequence, I believe, in most cases, 

 of lack of amusement. 



The small Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is as well known as the 

 grey parrot. It is no talker, but otherwise a very teachable and an 

 extremely comical bird. One is enough in any household, for it is 

 noisy and boisterous if in health ; and a pair make so much noise, as 

 to be unbearable. The greatest favourite we ever had was a bird of 

 this species, that had long been accustomed to enjoy perfect free- 

 dom, and, though well able to use its wings, was allowed to roam 

 about the house and garden, and do in all things as it pleased, 

 except at night, when it was required to sleep in a cage, to prevent 

 its doing mischief in the morning, before anyone was about to keep 

 it in order. 



For those who want a fireside pet of the quietest possible nature, 

 the Eosy Cockatoo-parrot {roseo-capillus) is invaluable. It is much 

 like a pigeon in size and shape, the prevailing colour mauyy pink, or 

 soft purplish rose, with a very short crest, and a small, piping voice, 

 which agrees vrith its pretty manners. This bird is decidedly tender, 

 and suffers from catarrh if exposed to cold, and therefore is not 

 adapted for a house where the parrots are treated somewhat roughly. 

 In my case, one of these is enough ; and it can be taught to say a 

 few words, and to perform a number of tricks. Mine shakes hands 

 prettily, does needlework if presented with a mite of calico, and 

 varies its performances with such utterances as "Pretty Tibby," 

 " Kiss me, dear," etc., etc. 



For beauty and vivacity the King Parrot must take precedence 

 of all others ; but it is a somewhat tiresome bird, in consequence of 

 its activity and guttural chattering. If a merry noise is not to be 

 feared, this brilliant little parrot is much to be valued ; for it may 

 be taught to whistle a few bars of simple music, and will soon leam 

 to uiake a harp of the wires of its cage. 



The Amazons Parrot is the merriest bird of the whole family, 

 though very far inferior to the grey parrot in vocal powers. When 

 purchased, it will probably say, "Papaguy," and may soon be 

 taught a few more words. Its forte, however, is laughing and cry- 

 ing ; and in a house with children it soon learns to imitate all their 

 noises, from the scream of joy to the sobbing of despair, with all 

 the intermediate grades of feeling. 



The Festive Parrot, which is known as the Common Green, is 



Maich. 



