AFRJCAN OR AY PARROT AND OTHER PARROTS. 



Xew-Englanders make time between the " reefings " to give the birds regular les- 

 sons : a few hours' instruction each day, where one has a fair-sized class, often 

 gives the captain a better return than the wage of a voyage. This especially is 

 the case if the captain happens to indulge in profanity ; as Parrots quickly learn 

 short words spoken with emphasis, and profane Parrots command high prices. 

 The more cultivated and pious the buyer, the higher the price for the profane Par- 

 rot. This is a statement in favor of the buyer's piety ; for he abhors to swear 

 himself, and, like the famous Quaker, will pay roundly any time for a few well- 

 selected oaths and curses. On the other hand, a bird which can repeat any of the 

 catechism, or a prayer, is generally owned by some fellow too lazy or too wicked to 

 say his own prayers. 



Capt. X , on one of the barks sailing between Boston and the West 



Coast, brought a bird on his last trip that was a genius in spelling : with a ringing 

 tone, as though he enjoyed each letter, and was conscious of great mental superi- 

 ority, he would spell slowly, " D-o-g, dog; " and immediately bark, "Bow-wow- 

 wow; " then repeat gruffly, like a ventriloquist, and in imitation of a large New- 

 foundland, "D-o-g, dog; bow- wow- wow, wow-wow-wow!" 



Jim was also a wonderful bird : at times he was very polite, " Good-morning, 

 reverend sir!" Then he would threaten, "Be off, you rascal! are you going 

 home, or not? " or if the person was dressed shabbily, and a hard-looking character, 

 he would shout, "I'll punch you, and make you sick ! " Some of these gray birds 

 can whistle very sweetly long runs and several bars from operas : they seldom sing, 

 though I have heard of one or two that could sing short pieces. All Gray Parrots 

 learn to talk and whistle if they are instructed, and the number of sentences and 

 songs acquired depends solely on the opportunities each bird has. Different birds 

 vary in the quickness with which they learn a sentence or a song, just as scholars 

 differ in intelligence. Some birds learn to talk a great deal, and to whistle but 

 little ; while others learn a new song in three or four days, but take as many weeks 

 to learn a long sentence. 'It takes from six to ten weeks for a young bird to become 

 accustomed to a new place : if, during that time, he has had an hour's lesson daily, 

 and has become tame enough to allow his head to be scratched, he will then try to 

 talk, muttering an unintelligible jargon, seemingly for his own edification. When 

 this has been going on for a few days, the teacher will think he heard the bird say 

 Jim, or Tim, or Gumbo, whatever the name may be : soon he is assured by the bird 

 speaking out plainly. From this point on, advance is rapid. Parrots seem to learn 

 faster if instructed in the early morning hours, and for an hour or two before dark. 

 If you wish a bird to learn a special sentence, he must hear that sentence over and 

 over again ; but he will learn to talk without special instruction if placed where lie 

 daily hears conversation. 



The kindergarten plan, or object-teaching, is indorsed by all Parrots : they need 

 to see and hear dog, crow, hen, crying-baby, popping champagne-cork, or oscil- 

 latory indulgences, only a few times before an exact imitation is given. Any talk- 

 ing-bird's voice be the bird Magpie or Raven, Jay or Parrot is naturally 

 deep toned and gruff : therefore, when teaching a bird, speak in a clear, ringing 

 tone, pitched in a rather high key ; in that way the bird's voice will be worked up 

 above its usual gruffness, so any one can understand just what he says. For the 



