DWARF PARROTS. 109 



caught lot, but appear to be wholly unfitted by their tender natures to repulse a 

 caress or kindness. 



The Dwarf Parrot learns to speak as readily as any of the most intelligent of 

 the Parrot race, and his tiny voice is as sweet and flute-like as that of a child. 

 The words which he may have been taught to speak are uttered very distinctly, 

 and are clearly understood. He learns to speak long sentences, like the Gray 

 Parrot, and displays that bird's aptitude in saying the right things at the proper 

 time. 



As a pet for the 'family, the Dwarf Parrot stands, perhaps, at the head of the 

 whole bird-list, certainly at the head of the Parrot-list. He becomes attached to 

 anybody who offers him little dainties, or strokes and caresses him. He is always 

 a great favorite with children, and appears to know that he bears somewhat similar 

 relations to his own race that children do to theirs, and therefore loves to associate 

 with his peers. He will play hide-and-go-seek with a party of children, and enter 

 into the sport with an ardor equal to that of the most playful boy. He does not 

 require a cage, and should be allowed the freedom of the room : this may be allowed 

 him in safety ; as he is not at all destructive, and does not care to take the chance 

 of obtaining his freedom. He will salute his master at daybreak with a cheerful 

 u Good-morning," and add " I trust you are quite well," and act dissatisfied until 

 taken on the finger, and had a caress or kiss bestowed on him. 



Sometimes Dwarf Parrots are kept paired ; this does not interfere with their 

 powers of speech, as the male and female learn to speak with equal readiness ; and 

 a conversation carried on by a pair of well-taught birds is sometimes most enjoya- 

 ble. When caged they should have plenty of room ; as they delight to climb around, 

 and are as much at ease hanging head downwards as when standing on a perch. 



Unlike the rest of the Parrot family, they are fond of bathing, and enjoy a bath 

 as well as the most fastidious songster, While performing their ablutions they utter 

 their miniature chirps of delight, just like a party of small boys mastering the art 

 of swtmming. 



In their wild state, they subsist chiefly on fruits and small seeds. 



When caged, the best mixture is equal portions of canary and hemp seeds. A 

 piece of sweet apple or ripe fruit should be frequently given them. 



They are seldom attacked by sickness, and live from fifteen to twenty years. 

 Constipation, or any other mild disease, should have the same treatment as recom- 

 mended for Canaries. 



