order' SLCANSORES. 509* 



beginning, and sometimes the end. Their natural ^yoices 

 are shrill and disagreeable, and they constitute the only 

 sounds uttered by them in a state of nature. It is not 

 unfrequent to hear an entire flock of them thus crying and 

 chattering at the rising of the sun. 



In fine, though we cannot allow such a degree of intel- 

 ligence to the parrots, as to suppose them capable of under- 

 standing the signification of the words which they repeat — 

 though we can yield no sort of credence to the various absurd 

 stories promulgated on this head, yet we cannot refuse to 

 them a great superiority over birds in general, in their 

 relations with man. They attach themselves to those who 

 tend them, and exhibit an aversion to those who have ill- 

 treated them, and that with a very marked discrimination. 

 Many, however, exhibit antipathies of a capricious kind, 

 and cannot be corrected but by the inspiration of fear. 

 It has been said, that the males attach themselves to 

 women in preference to men, and exhibit much ill-temper 

 towards the latter : while exactly the reverse takes place 

 with the females. This assertion M. Vieillot declares 

 to be well founded ; he instances the case of a male 

 ash-coloured parrot, in his own possession, which he never 

 could approach without being provided with thick leather 

 gloves ; which, however, was perfectly obedient in all respects 

 to Madame Vieillot, and would exhibit the greatest fondness 

 towards that lady ; while, on the other hand, a female of the 

 same species showed the greatest attachment to him. But 

 such facts cannot very safely be generalized, and we ourselves 

 have observed the contrary. Many species exhibit a capricious 

 temper more than others ; and, on the whole, the parrots are 

 birds that must not be trusted with implicit confidence, 

 without a very intimate acquaintance with them. The surest 

 mode of taming them is by firmness and the exercise of autho- 

 rity. Like too many of the human race, they are best ini- 



VOL. VII. 1' p 



