THE CAROLINA PARROT. 



213 



alio-hted on the trees immediately above, keeping up a con- 

 stant conversation with the prisoner. One of these was 

 wounded and captured. Poll evinced the greatest pleasure 

 on meeting with this new companion. She crept close up to 

 it, chattering in a low tone of voice, as if sympathizing in its 

 misfortune, scratching its 

 head and neck with her 

 bill — at night, both nest- 



h'^ 













*!/■• 



'( 



NEST OF THE CAROLINA PARROT. 



ling as closely as possible 

 to each other, sometimes 

 Poll's head being thrust 

 amongst the plumage of 

 the other. The stranger, 

 however, died, and Poll 

 appeared restless and in- 

 consolal)le for several days. 

 On a looking-glass, how- 

 ever, being procured, the 

 instant she perceived her 

 image all her former fond- 

 ness seemed to return, so that she could scarcely absent herself 

 from it for a moment. It was evident she was completely de- 

 ceived. Often when evening drew on, as also during the day, 

 she laid her head close to that of the image in the glass, and 

 began to dose with great composure and satisfaction. 



On another occasion several of these birds were shot down, 

 when the whole flock swept rapidly round their prostrate 

 companions, and settled on a low tree within twenty yards of 

 them. Although many were killed, the rest, instead of flying 

 away, continued looking down at their dead companions with 

 manifest signs of sympathy and concern. 



U H 



