THREE GREAT BIRDS 193 



The description of General's progress is 

 well told in Mr. Finley's own words : 



"When General was 150 days old he was 

 well fledged, except that his hreast was still 

 covered with gray down. His wing feathers 

 were strong, but they were not able to sup- 

 port his heavy body. If we did not let him 

 out of his cage every day he became very 

 restless. When the gate was opened he would 

 stop a moment or two, look about and then 

 stalk slowly out. He did nothing without de- 

 liberation. Then, with several hops he would 

 go half-way across the yard, clapping his big 

 wings, and going through a regular dance, 

 jumping up in the air several times in suc- 

 cession. 



"On his removal from his native home he 

 had lost his wildness and had now become 

 gentle and fond of those who cared for him. 

 He loved to be petted and fondled and would 

 nibble at my hand, run his nose up my sleeve, 

 and bite the buttons on my coat. ' ' 



General was extremely fond of bathing, and 

 would patter in the water of the creek for an 



