THE PRINCE OF PARROTS, AND THE LOVE-BIRDS. 93 



in flocks, and have their nests in the hollows of 

 the trees. 



"When a flock of some thousand Macaws are 

 flying in the rays of the setting sun, the sight can 

 hardly be described. It is like a mantle of flam- 

 ing red. 



The natives take the feathers of the Macaw 

 to wear as an ornament, and they use the flesh as 

 food. 



As this gorgeous Parrot is the head of his tribe, 

 so the Love-Bird is the smallest of the family. 



He, too, is a kind of Parrot, and the most affec- 

 tionate of any. The love of the Parrot for his 

 companions is the best feature in his character. 

 The Love-Bird possesses this trait in such a de- 

 gree that he has earned the name of Love-Bird, 

 from his loving and caressing ways. He tenderly 

 cherishes his companion during life ; and if be- 

 reaved, by death, nothing can exceed his grief. 

 He will pine away, and die. 



Nay, if compelled to be alone, he will droop and 

 decline. He cannot exist without the society of 

 his fellows. 



