Sherman — Birds by the Wayside 259 



some relative the Large Pied Wagtail, — the Motacilla ma- 

 deraspatensis of several authors. 



The Rose-ringed Pa-rrakeet (Palceoniis torquatus) was the 

 species of Parrot seen in Indda. The life it leads seemed a 

 merry one, judging from the noisy parties of screaming birds, 

 that flew so frequently overhead, especially toward roosting 

 time. They were not always seen on the wing, but often 

 were climbing about in the trees and cactus hedges, or some- 

 times were sitting on a branch eating some kind of fruit, that 

 was as red as thisir beaks. Another native species of India 

 did not require a handbook to assist in its identification ; this 

 was the Peacock of which only one wild bird was seen ; the 

 others appeared in a state of semi-domestication, but not so 

 tame as they become with us. Tha mention of this bird in 

 its native haunts calls to mind the stories of the famous Pea- 

 cock Throne, that formerly stood in the imperial palace of 

 Delhi, but together with other booty of war was ca<rried ofif 

 to Persia nearly two hundred years ago. The guide-book 

 of G. A. Natesan contains the following description O'f 

 this throne: "It owes its name to the two hybricli birds 

 of a species quite unknown to the ornithologist, perched on 

 the pinnacles. They bore a faint resemblance tO' peacocks, 

 whence followed the adoption of the peacock as a badge of 

 Indian Empire. The expanded tails, thickly studded with 

 sapphire, rubies, emeralds, etc., inlaid so as to represent the 

 exact colours of the living birds, formed the back of the 

 th-rone. Between the peacocks was a parrot, as large as life, 

 carved out of a single emerald. This throne is (or rather 

 was, for experts declare that very little of the ancient throne 

 remains), no doubt, of immense value, the lowest estimate 

 being two million sterling. In shape it resembles rather a 

 state bed than a throne. It is made entirely of gold — steps, 

 sides, and legs — and is a'rtistically chased and encrusted with 

 countless precious stones." 



Although this wonderful example of the goldsmith's art 

 has been lost to Delhi, there still remains the superb structure 

 in which it stood. Upon its wall are inscribed these lines : 



