CHAPTER XXV. 



1 HIS is not a pretty bird, but it is a very nice one. 

 In appearance it reminds me of the Slenderbill, but 

 its beak does not attain to the same preposterous 

 dimensions as that of the latter. It has no crest to 

 speak of a mere apology for one in fact but it is 

 remarkably fond of displaying it, and having it rubbed 

 and patted. Round the eye is a triangular patch of 

 naked corrugated skin, of a yellowish-greyish white 

 colour, to which it owes its name : the beak is greyish 

 white, and the eye black or brown, according to the sex. 



This bird is a native of Western Australia, and is 

 sufficiently common there, but is not found in any 

 other part of the great island- continent. It is not often 

 imported, which is strange, for it is very hardy, and 

 the most intelligent of all the Cockatoos. One member 

 of the species, that I saw but did not possess, could, 

 its owner assured me, and I have no reason to doubt 

 his word, speak over three hundred words and sentences 

 in English, French and Dutch. 



