106 THE ROLLER. 



selves, when they may be supplied with the same food, or 

 live half-grown frogs. The way in which they treat them is 

 curious. They throw them up in the air, catch them as they 

 descend by the hind leg, and beat their heads violently against 

 the ground. These processes are repeated till the frog ceases 

 to move, when it is swallowed. I fancy the object of this is, 

 that the frogs, of which they will swallow three or four suc- 

 cessively, may not move in their crops. When the bird has 

 become accustomed to this diet, the meat may be mixed with 

 barley-meal. I have seen cases in which it would eat bread, 

 vegetables, and meal, somewhat moistened, but bullock's heart 

 always remains the favourite food. I have never seen one of 

 these birds drink. 



" They learn to know their attendant, obey his call, and eat 

 out of his hand, though they will not suffer themselves to be 

 touched. They never become quite tame, nor leave off biting. 

 Except when eating, they generally sit in one place, occasion- 

 ally hopping up and down the room, though with no great ac- 

 tivity, on account of their short feet. They ought not to be 

 allowed to range the room entirely without restraint, nor be 

 confined in a cage ; as being exceedingly shy birds, they are 

 apt to beat against the bars and kill themselves. The best 

 plan is to give them their liberty, with one wing clipped. 

 With companions of their own species, they are quarrelsome 

 and apt to bite, but agree very well with other birds. I have 

 kept them in a large aviary with other large and small birds, 

 as well as in the dove-cote, among Pigeons not allowed to fly 

 out. They are as healthy and lively when alone, as with 

 companions." 



I have since seen two of these birds in the possession of M. vox 

 CLAIRVILLE, and have kept one myself. They had been reared 

 on bullock's heart, and as soon as they could feed themselves, 

 were supplied with it, cut into thin stripes, in a trough with 

 water. Beetles and other insects were their dainties. 



Attractive Qualities. The Roller has few recommendations 

 except the beauty of its plumage. One in the possession of 

 MADAME VON CLAIRVILLE, was so tame as frequently to fly into 

 her bosom provided no stranger were by to be fed and 

 caressed. The only voice they possess is an unpleasant cry, 

 resembling that of the frog or Magpie. 



