GREEN PARROTS 23 
is found in only one of two places where the conditions 
of life appear to be very similar. 
There is another common green parrot, the rose- 
headed paroquet (P. cyanocephalus). This is a very 
beautiful bird, its green body being set off by a red 
head, having a bloom like that on a plum. It is better 
mannered than its commoner cousin. It has a more 
pleasing voice, and affects forests rather than cultivated 
land. It is, therefore, from the ryot’s point of view, a 
more desirable bird. 
Indian parrots are good mimics, and can be taught 
to talk. The best instructor is a phonograph, which 
should continually repeat “poor Polly’s” lesson, The 
instrument should be put near the bird’s cage and 
covered up. Then it should be turned on. At first the 
parrot will be somewhat alarmed. Then its alarm will 
give place to surprise and curiosity. It will next put 
its head on one side and listen to the words. After a 
time, it will try to repeat them. The first attempts will 
be very feeble ones, A little practice, however, will 
make Polly perfect. A word of warning is necessary to 
the would-be instructor of parrots. The phonograph 
lesson should not last more than twenty minutes, or the 
poor bird will get brain fever ! 
In America they have parrot schools, where for a few 
dollars Polly is given a complete education ! 
