THE TALKING TRIBES IO7 



green pease, occasionally given to a thoroughly 

 acclimated bird, will do no harm, and will be a 

 treat he will -greatly enjoy. Nuts hazel-nuts, 

 almonds, and walnuts are not bad for him; 

 fresh twigs to nibble at are desirable; sparingly 

 at first, and always soft wood, like willow, 

 poplar, birch, or fruit tree. 



All food must be good and fresh, and in 

 winter not just out of a cold room, and so 

 of an icy temperature. There should always 

 be a bit of cuttle-fish bone fastened in the 

 cage. 



There is a curious notion abroad that this 

 bird does not need water. It is a fact that he 

 can live a long time without it, but it is cruel 

 to deprive an acclimated bird, and he does 

 not flourish so well without it. The case of a 

 bird freshly imported is somewhat different. 

 Of such I shall speak later. A parrot, as well 

 as other birds, should always have plenty of 

 gravel or sand on the bottom of his cage. 



In regard to bathing there is great variety 

 of opinion. It is a fact, I believe, that the 

 gray African parrot and the green ones of his 

 size will never bathe in a cage ; but many of 

 them show great delight at being sprinkled, 



