76 CAGE OR STAND. 



knows how to apply the words ! It commands the 

 cats and the dogs, whistling to one, and coaxing or 

 crying to the other. If the black-cap is heard, it calls 

 at once, ' Just wait, you black-cap ! ' If the blackbird 

 whistles, it exclaims, ' Be quiet ! ' It distinguishes 

 between the canary's song and that of the red bird 

 and thrush, speaking to each as it hears the song of 

 each." 



If proper methods of instruction are followed, there 

 is no imaginary fixed line in intellectual progress 

 beyond which a parrot of ordinary ability may not go. 



In teaching or training a parrot, let the bird remain 

 for two weeks after purchase, unnoticed, further than 

 proper care is concerned ; it will then be less shy, and, 

 finding no harm is intended, will incline to become 

 friendly. It is better not to use any forcible means 

 for training, but always be gentle, and avail yourself 

 of some knack, according to the bird's inclinations. 

 Take away the drinking-water or coffee for some hours, 

 then hold it out to the bird, and offer also some tidbit, 

 of which the bird is fond, and thus the bird will learn 

 to take food from the hand, and will presently volun- 

 tarily come " on the finger, allow its head to be 

 scratched, and soon permit you to caress and handle 

 it at will. Many trainers feed the bird bread or fruit 

 from the mouth ; this as a reward for tameness or 

 speaking is a great incentive to progress, and birds 

 form warm attachments for any one who thus feeds 

 them. 



CAGE OR STAND. This parrot should have a cage 

 fourteen or fifteen inches in diameter, or fifteen to 



