98 THE COCKATOO. 



habits of the Cockatoo, and that it is most affec- 

 tionate to its companions. He picks up a wounded 

 bird, and fastens it to a tree. He is certain what 

 will happen. When the birds that have flown off 

 hear the piteous cries of their friend, they come 

 back to see what is the matter. 



Then again flies the terrible kiley, and one at 

 least of the birds pays for its friendship with its 

 life. I must tell you that the Cockatoos in Aus- 

 tralia make their nests in the decayed boughs of 

 trees. The mother-bird lays two eggs, of pure 

 white. Under the tree there is generally to be 

 seen a heap of bark, split up into shreds. The 

 old birds have gathered twigs from the neighbour- 

 ing trees for their young, stripped off the bark, 

 and let the shreds fall on the ground. 



This is rather an unlucky habit. The native is 

 fond of young Cockatoos, and thinks them a delicate 

 dish. He comes prowling about to find the nest, 

 and the little heap of bark is sure to point out the 

 spot. 



