PILE AT ED PABBAKEET. 9 



and very tame and gentle. It soon grew reconciled to its new home 

 and surroundings, but after awhile, whether it pined for its late un- 

 grateful master, or the change of diet did not agree with it, for the 

 dealer was unable to say to what food the bird had been accustomed, 

 before passing into his possession; it grew sick and weak, and seemed 

 as if it must certainly die. 



Careful nursing, however, soon brought it round, and in the course 

 of a week or two "Richard was himself again", while a sojourn in a 

 large out-door aviary during the summer months so improved its ap- 

 pearance and invigorated its frame; that, at the present time it is 

 able to fly a dozen times or more round the room, without losing 

 breath. It is rather sensitive to cold, and a small eater, preferring 

 canary seed, but taking a little maize and hemp now and then. Of 

 fruit it is extremely fond, but if given a lump of sugar, it proceeds 

 at once to drop it into its water-tin, into which he also dips every piece 

 of crust, or biscuit, or even boiled potato, that may be given to it. 



When it perceives anything on the table that it fancies, it comes 

 close up to the wires, stretches out its head, and raising its tail to the 

 level of its back, flaps its wings quickly; without, however, opening 

 them out, and emits a series of little calls, that sound something like 

 "chee chu chu" rapidly repeated; but so far, although it answers to 

 its name, " Pilate/' by the above-described call, it has never attempted 

 to speak, or even to imitate any kind of domestic noise, as most of 

 its congeners are in the habit of doing. 



It is amazingly fond of whittling, and if not supplied with a log 

 of soft wood on which to exercise its long and sharp upper mandible, 

 soon cuts a perch to pieces, or picks holes in the wall; in default of 

 other material, it will even nibble the bars of its cage, but it is always 

 supplied with timber, which it converts into minute chips in a very 

 short space of time. 



Eating little, and always, or nearly always, dry food, it is a very 

 clean bird, bathes frequently, and takes great care of its beautiful 

 plumage, which is in as perfect condition as if it enjoyed entire liberty ; 

 which it might do but for one objection, namely, the havoc it makes 

 with wood of every description; picture-frames, backs of chairs, and 

 especially the top of an over-mantle, of which it seems to be particularly 

 fond ; it has quite a passion for overhawling a desk, or box, lifting up 

 the covers of the little receptacles for pens, etc., and pulling out and 

 scattering the contents on all sides. Pencils and penholders it seems 

 to have an extreme liking for, and will even try to pull them from 

 one's fingers, when they are speedily broken, or cut rather, into pieces, 

 if the bird is allowed to have its way. 



