THE MINOR GRAKLE. 



53 



like velvet, but on the top, descending towards the back of the 

 head, they are the general length ; on both sides of the head 

 there is naked skin, which begins under the eyes, and extends 

 to the back of the head, but without uniting ; its breadth is 

 uneven, near the eyes it is wide and yellow, but when the bird 

 is pleased or is angry this colour varies. Black is the pre- 

 dominant colour of the body, with some tints of purple, violet, 

 or green, according to the different light it is in ; the feathers 

 of the tail have a white streak. 



OBSERVATIONS. The minor grakle is found in both the Indies, in 

 Jamaica, as well as in the islands beyond the Ganges, as far as Java. 

 Their food is vegetable : xhose which are brought to Europe willingly eat 

 cherries and raisins ; if these be shown them without being given directly 

 they begin to cry and weep like a child. They become exceedingly tame 

 and confiding; they whistle exceedingly well, and chatter better than 

 any parrot. The Chinese ladies are very fond of them ; they are sold 

 very dear in Java. In the inland parts of Germany nothing is so rare as 

 one of these birds. 



