194 SCANSORES. PSITTACID./E. 



tivity. This faculty is possessed by the various 

 genera, however, in very different degrees. 



Extraordinary examples of the imitative talent 

 in these birds are on record, combined in some 

 instances, at least, with what looks so like intelli- 

 gence as to cause surprise and admiration. We 

 quote the following interesting account from the 

 " Gleanings " of Mr. Jesse, the more readily as 

 that accurate observer seems, from his introduc- 

 tory remark, in some degree to authenticate the 

 marvellous statement. 



After speaking of the renowned Parrot belong- 

 ing to Colonel O'Kelly, Mr. Jesse proceeds thus : 

 " There is another Parrot, which is occasionally 

 brought from Brighton to Hampton Court, that 

 appears to equal it in intelligence and power of 

 imitation. I had seen and heard so much of this 

 bird, that I requested the sister of its owner to 

 furnish me with some particulars respecting it. 

 The following is her lively and brilliant account 

 of it: 



( As you wished me to write down whatever I 

 could collect about my sister's wonderful Parrot, 

 I proceed to do so, only premising that I will tell 

 you nothing but what I can vouch for having my- 

 self heard. Her laugh is quite extraordinary, and 

 it is impossible to help joining in it oneself, more 

 especially when in the midst of it she cries out, 

 " Don't make me laugh so. I shall die, I shall 

 die ; " and then continues laughing more violently 

 than before. Her crying and sobbing are curi- 

 ous ; and if you say, " Poor Poll ! what is the 

 matter?" she says, "So bad! so bad! got such 

 a cold ! " and after crying for some time will 

 gradually cease, and making a noise like drawing 



