308 WILD SCENES AND SONG-BIRDS. 



I thought Mm at all events a sensible bird, and determined 

 to give him a larger cage during the day. I then discovered 

 that he had been so unfortunate as to lose three of his toes, 

 perhaps in the struggles he had made, when he had been 

 taken prisoner, by means of the deceitful bird-limed twig, 

 so that he was almost incapable of resistance if one chose to 

 catch him while in the cage, for in 'his efforts to cling to the 

 perch, he was apt to lose his hold and tumble to the bottom 

 of the cage, and then he would only crouch in a corner, and 

 with his bright black eye, and beseeching chirp, pray to be 

 left at peace. 



For a week or more I took but little notice of him, only 

 admiring his irresistible song ; for he became so cheerful as 

 to sing to us once or twice during the twenty-four hours. 



One afternoon, however, I caught myself mimicking the 

 droll whistle, with which he would break his song; and 

 which had precisely the sound we express by the whew 

 o o o ! when we make what we know to be some ludicrous 

 mistake. 



He instantly repeated it more slowly. I tried again and 

 again, till he seemed satisfied, and commenced the first bar 

 of a strain of German music, and then paused ! I looked 

 up. " What, do you mean to teach me your song?" 



He repeated the notes, and I essayed to reproduce them ; 

 my effort, however, seemed to amuse the young master, for he 

 drew out to its fullest extent his whew ew o o o o ! 

 But instantly commenced the bar again. By this time I had 

 become thoroughly interested, and not liking to be laughed at, 

 made a more successful effort. This time Bob seemed bet- 

 ter satisfied, and added a few more notes. When I had 

 achieved those, Tie repeated all and put me to the test, and so 

 on through his whole song ; every few moments, however, 

 evidently heartily enjoying the fantastic mistakes which I 

 made, and uttering his whistle in the most provokingly sar- 

 castic tone. I was greatly amused, and related the story 

 with great gusto on Mr. Webber's return. 



