356 THE GREEN PARROT. 
Even in the imitation of louder noises he was equally expert, and could 
sound the danger-whistle or blow off steam with astunishing accuracy. 
Until I came to understand the bird, I used to wonder why some invisible 
person was always turning an imperceptible capstan in my close vicinity, 
for the Parrot had also learned to imitate the grinding of the capstan bars 
and the metallic clink of the catch as it falls rapidly upon the cogs. 
—= = 
GREEN PARROT.—(Chrysotis festivus.) 
As for the ordinary accomplishments of Parrots, he possessed them in 
perfection, but in my mind his most perfect performance was the imitation of 
a dog having his foot run over by a cart-wheel. First there came the sudden 
half-frightened bark, as the beast found itself in unexpected danger, and 
then the loud shriek of pain, followed by the series of howls that is popularly 
