THE PARROT. 



THE Parrot, of which there are many spe- 

 cies, is said to have been first introduced into 

 Europe by Alexander the Great. Of foreign 

 birds it is the one with which we are best ac- 

 quainted, and is likewise one of the most beau- 

 tiful of the feathered race, its plumage being 

 exceedingly varied and of the most vivid hues. 

 But its chief attraction is to be found in its 

 ability to utter articulate sounds, a gift which 

 it possesses in far greater perfection than any 

 other bird. Its voice also is more like a man's 

 than any other : its note is of the true pitch, 

 and capable of a variety of modulations. For 

 this it is indebted to the form of its bill, tongue, 

 and head. In addition to the talent of speech, 

 the Parrot is endowed with a strong memory, 

 and w r ith more sagacity than is the lot of most 

 other birds. 



In their native woods, these birds live to- 



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