i LETTERS FROM MARCO 219 



sulphur-crested ones and the parrakeets. Of 

 the macaws I have no opportunities of know- 

 ing, as these birds are, why, I don't know, 

 always kept on single stands and never placed 

 in pairs. One pair of moderate-sized white 

 cockatoos appear to be a very devoted couple ; 

 they are nearly always close to one another, 

 and not only does the "billing" go on very 

 warmly, but the male will caress with his bill 

 the head and neck of the female, while she 

 half closes her eyes in quiet satisfaction and 

 enjoyment. 



I saw Mr. Tegetmeier yesterday, and had 

 some interesting chat with him. Among other 

 things, he said people make a mistake in 

 baiting a trap for rats. You may catch a 

 young, but never an old one with it. He 

 says, place a piece of board against the wall 

 of a run or place infested with them ; the rat 

 will always in his run go between the wall 

 and the board, and here is your opportunity. 

 Place a gin-trap, a small one, unbaited (he 

 gets his at 45. the dozen), between the 



