Vol. XXIX 

 1912 



J Wright, Early Records of the Carolina Paroquet. oOo 



this species in the western parts of New York. It is well known 

 that these blemishes are produced by the irritation of insects; — 

 first by a puncture when the egg is deposited, and afterwards by 

 the growth and motion of the worm. To procure this food, the 

 parroquets have been busily employed, at times, through the day: 

 but though they have become so familiar; and though they excel 

 all the birds of this country in beauty of plumage, — their scream 

 is so discordant, and their fierceness of disposition so apparent, 

 as to preclude every sensation of attachment. These birds build 

 their nests in hollow trees. The strength of their necks is remark- 

 able; and we are assured that when both wings and feet are tied 

 they can climb trees by striking their bills into the bark." In the 

 Wabash region, he obser^'es that, "On the approach of any large 

 bird the Parroquets immediately commence flying round and round 

 in flocks, screaming most hideously. In this way, they escape 

 the hawk." His last note is a quotation from "Topographical 

 Description of the State of Ohio, etc." It is, "The green parro- 

 quet with a yellow crown, a species of parrot, is very common. 

 It has a harsh unpleasant note, and although easily tamed, it 

 cannot be taught to imitate the human voice. The habits of these 

 birds in some respects, are singular. They are always seen in 

 flocks, which retire at night into hollow trees, where they suspend 

 themselves by their bills. These birds also retreat to hollow trees in 

 winter. There have been found, after a severe winter, prodigious 

 numbers in a large tree, filling the whole cavity, where they had 

 perished by the severity of the cold." 



In 1815, the above mentioned Daniel Drake in discussing the 

 climate of Ohio takes exception to the opinion of Jefferson, that 

 "the Ohio-countries (are) warmer, in the same parallels, than the 

 Atlantic states." He says ^ " much reliance is placed on the growth 

 and residence, in this country, of certain plants and animals, which 

 in the maritime states are, it is said, not found as far north by 

 several degrees. Of the former Mr. Jefferson has cited the reed 

 and catalpa; of the latter, the parakeet .... This bird, it is true, 

 resides constantly along the Mississippi, Ohio, and their tributary 

 rivers, as far north as 39° 30', and is seen occasionally up to 42°. 



• Drake, Daniel. Natural and Statistical View, or Picture of Cincinnati and 

 the Miami Country, etc. Cincinnati, 181.5, pp. 115, 118, 119. 



