THE TALKING TRIBES QQ 



I think it will be found that the tamest, 

 most sweet-tempered parrots belong to gentle 

 women in houses where there are no children 

 and no men ; for it is a singular fact, which I 

 do not attempt to explain, that not only boys, 

 but the majority of men, delight in teasing or 

 " bothering " a bird. It is generally done in 

 sport, but our play is too clumsy for him, and 

 his temper is almost certain to be spoiled. It 

 is a valuable rule to make, and strictly enforce, 

 that your bird especially your parrot shall 

 never be teased. 



Next in importance is to see that the wants 

 of your captive are carefully looked after, his 

 cage kept clean and sweet, his food fresh and 

 of the best quality, his water-dish properly re- 

 plenished. Go no further than this for a week 

 or two, or until he gets used to his new sur- 

 roundings and shows less fear of you, and, if 

 possible, keep him in a dark room away from 

 the family gathering-place. 



Then begin your personal wooing; talk to 

 him quietly; offer him some dainty to eat, or 

 some trifle to play with, a fresh twig to gnaw, 

 or a cracker to nibble. When he is calm and 

 attentive to you, try cautiously at first to 



