TO TAME HIM 35 



thread, from which he cut the contents with 

 his sharp beak, and then demolished the 

 spool. A lead -pencil or pen -handle to bite 

 and reduce to slivers was acceptable ; and, in- 

 deed, he could amuse himself with almost 

 anything, and, when he was not supplied with 

 a stock of his own, he was always in mis- 

 chief. 



A thrush I once had used to amuse himself 

 with the hanging fringe of a towel laid over a 

 chair. He would run at it, try to pull out the 

 threads, and, holding by the beak, swing back 

 and forth with great relish. 



A crumpled newspaper laid on the floor is 

 often a source of pleasure, also a ball that 

 rolls easily, as a marble. A string is the de- 

 light of most birds, but it is dangerous, for 

 they are apt to tangle it around their legs, and 

 frighten if not hurt themselves ; moreover, 

 some birds will swallow a string, and suffer 

 till they throw it up. 



All this may be accomplished with a bird 

 without making him what is called tame, /'. e., 

 so much at home that he will come at your 

 call, alight on you freely, take food from your 

 lips, and let you stroke or handle him. 



