80 THE RINGED PARRAKEET. 



When Alexander the Great went on his Indian 

 expeditions, he opened the way for many dis- 

 coveries. The Ringed Parrakeet was soon after 

 brought to Greece. Like the rest of its tribe, it 

 has slender feet, which enable it to run along the 

 ground. It can easily be tamed, and makes a 

 very delightful pet. 



In Australia, Parrots and Parrakeets abound 

 in great numbers. They are seen flying in bril- 

 liant clouds from tree to tree, or they will rise up 

 before you like a sheet of gems or gold, as their 

 plumage glistens in the sun. 



They have as many tricks as the monkeys. A 

 number of them will sit crowded on a branch, 

 fluttering and sidling, and eyeing each other in 

 the drollest manner. And the chattering and the 

 screaming, and the various noises they make, can 

 hardly be described. Some of the houses in 

 Australia have gardens filled with Tropical flowers 

 and fruits. There is the pomegranate and the 

 oleander, and many others which are never seen 

 with us except in a hot-house. And over the 

 verandah the vine grows in full luxuriance. Tro- 



