ARCH APPEARANCE. 47 



he utters the usual cawing notes, at the same 

 time looking archly at the spectators, as if 

 ready to receive all the admiration that it con- 

 siders its elegant form and display of plumage 

 demands ; it then takes exercise by hopping in 

 a rapid, but graceful manner, from one end of the 

 upper perch to the other, and descends suddenly 

 upon the second perch, close to the bars of the 

 cage, looking out for the grasshoppers, which it 

 is accustomed to receive at this time. 



Should any person place his finger into the cage 

 the bird darts at it rapidly ; if it is inserted and 

 withdrawn quickly, the slightly-curved extre- 

 mity of the upper mandible causes the intruder to 

 receive a sharp peck, but if the finger is placed 

 quietly in the cage, close to the beak of the ani 

 mal, he grasps and thrusts it out, as if hinting 

 that he dislikes its intrusion. 



His prehensile power in the feet is very 

 strong, and, still retaining his hold, the bird 

 will turn himself round upon the perch. He 

 delights to be sheltered from the glare of the 

 sun, as that luminary is a great source of an- 

 noyance to him, if permitted to dart its fervent 

 rays directly upon the cage. The iris frequently 

 expanding and contracting, adds to the arch, 

 wicked look of this animated bird, as he throws 

 the head on one side to glance at visitors, utter- 



