THE TOUCAN— THE PARROT. 51 



snakes, with which these sultry regions abound. In those coun- 

 tries where such invasions are less to be dreaded; they build in 

 the cavities of trees. 



THE TOUCAN 



Is found only in the warm climates of South America. It ad- 

 mits of many varieties, but the description of one is sufficient to 

 give a general idea of the singularity of its conformation. It is 

 only about the size of a jackdaw, but is furnished with a bill 

 seven inches in length ; and its head, although disproportioned 

 to the magnitude of the body, is perfectly conformable to that 

 of the beak. 



The toucan, although armed with so formidable a bill, is per- 

 fectly harmless, and easily tamed. It is held in great estimation 

 for the delicacy of its flesh, as well as the beauty of its plumage, 

 which, on the back, wings, and tail, is black ; but on the throat, 

 belly, and breast, of the most delicate white. The feathers of 

 the breast form an elegant article of Indian dress. This part 

 of the skin the Indians take off, and glue to their cheeks, which 

 they consider as an irresistible addition to their beauty ; and the 

 women in particular are extravagantly fond of this singular 

 decoration. 



CHAPTER VI, 



" The parrot learns to emulate our speech." 



" Harkl the hoarse pigeon tunes his notes to love." 



Anon. 



The objects we are now going to present to view, are some 

 of the most curious which the feathered part of the creation af- 

 fords. They are such as irresistibly attract attention, and ex- 

 cite to admiration of the splendour of Nature's works. 



THE PARROT 



Is, of all foreign birds, the best known in this country ; and 

 has always been held in estimation by the curious, as it possesses 

 the singular advantage of uniting transcendant beauty with su 

 periority of instinct and astonishing docility. 



The facility with which this bird learns not only to speak, but 

 to retain and repeat a great number of words, is surprising. We 

 are assured that a parrot has been taught to rehearse a whole 

 sonnet from Petrarch. 



Many wonderful stories have been related of this creature's 

 sagacity and loquaciousness j from which we shall select une t 



