GREEN PARROTS 23 



is found in only one of two places where the conditions 

 of life appear to be very similar. 



There is another common green parrot, the rose- 

 headed paroquet (P. cyanocephalus). This is a very 

 beautiful bird, its green body being set off by a red 

 head, having a bloom like that on a plum. It is better 

 mannered than its commoner cousin. It has a more 

 pleasing voice, and affects forests rather than cultivated 

 land. It is, therefore, from the ryot's point of view, a 

 more desirable bird. 



Indian parrots are good mimics, and can be taught 

 to talk. The best instructor is a phonograph, which 

 should continually repeat "poor Polly's" lesson. The 

 instrument should be put near the bird's cage and 

 covered up. Then it should be turned on. At first the 

 parrot will be somewhat alarmed. Then its alarm will 

 give place to surprise and curiosity. It will next put 

 its head on one side and listen to the words. After a 

 time, it will try to repeat them. The first attempts will 

 be very feeble ones. A little practice, however, will 

 make Polly perfect. A word of warning is necessary to 

 the would-be instructor of parrots. The phonograph 

 lesson should not last more than twenty minutes, or the 

 poor bird will get brain fever ! 



In America they have parrot schools, where for a few 

 dollars Polly is given a complete education ! 



