BIRD OF PARADISE. 221 



cage, where it had abundance of room for the dis- 

 play of its gaudy dress, of which it seemed very 

 proud; dancing about w r hen visiters approached, as 

 if delighted at being made an object of admiration. 

 It w r ashed itself twice every day, and then threw up 

 its delicate feathers nearly over its head. Nothing 

 appeared to disturb it so much as any sort of dust 

 attaching itself to its plumage. For at its toilet it 

 pecked and cleaned all within reach, and throwing 

 out the elegant and delicate tuft of feathers under- 

 neath the wings, cleaned each in succession, by 

 passing it through its bill. Having completed its 

 toilet, it would utter its usual cawing notes, and then 

 look archly at the spectators, as if ready to receive 

 their admiration*. 



* See Bennet's Wanderings in New South Wales, vol. ii. 



