144 PARROTS, FLYING FISH. 



THE AMAZON PARROTS, 



Principally from the banks of the river Amazon, are 

 about fourteen inches in length ; their colour is green, 

 diversified with blue, red, and yellow. They are capable 

 of much instruction, of which Locke relates a remarkable 

 instance. 



THE DAMASK PARROTS,. 



Of an olive brown colour, varied with sea-green and 

 orange colour, are natives of Southern Africa. They 

 assemble in large flocks to bathe, and gambol in the most 

 playful and noisy manner. 



THE TOUCANS 



are natives of South America ; like the horn-bills they are 

 distinguished by their large bills, which in some species 

 nearly equal the size of the whole body. These bills are 

 of a light texture, and in the living animal yield to the 

 pressure of the hand. Both mandibles are serrated ; the 

 tongue is shaped like a long feather ; in their native state 

 they feed on fruits, but in captivity will eat animal food. 

 Their length varies from twelve to twenty inches ; their 

 colours in general are brilliant, and strongly contrasted. 



THE FLYING FISH. 



THIS fish is slender and long, with a large staring eye. 

 The fins on each side of the back are so long and wide as 

 to answer the purpose of wings. These not only assist it 

 in flying, but enable it to swim through the water with 

 amazing velocity. Aided by them, he flies nearly to the 

 distance of a gun-shot before he touches the water ; and 

 when he has slightly dipped, in order to rest himself, 

 mounts up again. 



