YELLOW-NAPEB PARRAKEET. 39 



birds,, which even Dr. Puss is not quite certain about, for be gives 

 tbe name of "Boa Perikit;" both to this species and to Bauer's 

 Parrakeet, and in one place credits the latter with possessing a red 

 frontlet, (Die fremdlandischen Stubenvogel, page 142); he also gives 

 the length of Semitorquatus at 35 centimetres, and that of Bauer's 

 Parrakeet at from 35 to 37 centimetres, which latter measurement, 

 14-| inches, is nearer that of the Yellow-collared than of Bauer's or 

 the Port Lincoln Parrakeet, from which it is readily distinguished by 

 its larger size, crimson frontlet, and the absence of the golden yellow 

 central abdominal belt; which is so conspicuous a feature in the colouring 

 of the latter bird. 



In captivity the subject of the present notice is fed on canary seed 

 chiefly, though it will also eat oats, sunflower seeds, hemp and flat 

 maize. It appears to be fond of sugar, but this no doubt is an acquired 

 taste, and should only be cautiously permitted at long intervals; as a 

 bird under our observation for some time, has on several occasions 

 suffered from genuine bilious attacks, owing to such indulgence. A 

 morsel of apple or carrot every now and then is unobjectionable, as 

 is likewise a piece of boiled potato; but monkey-nuts are to be avoided 

 as apt to induce diarrhoea. Mignionette in flower is greedily devoured, 

 and we have never remarked any ill effect from its use. Groundsel 

 too, if not rank, is good for a change, and care must always be taken 

 to have a decayed log of wood for the bird to peck at; and plenty 

 of rather coarse gravel containing broken flints. 



Water, we need scarcely observe, is indispensible for drinking as 

 well as bathing. 



It is a pity these extremely interesting Parrakeets should be so 

 seldom imported, and consequently maintain the high price they do, 

 that is from £3 to £4 a pair, or even more. Latterly, however, they 

 have been of more frequent occurrence, but the demand for them not 

 having proportionately increased in consequence of so little being 

 known about them by the public, they have not found the sale that 

 their undoubted merits as cage and aviary birds entitles them to; for 

 we know of few more desirable Parrakeets. One drawback they have 

 however, which we are reluctantly compelled to mention. Placed in the 

 company of other Parrakeets, or even other birds, say of the Finch 

 kind, they are apt to bite, and that severely, the legs and feet of 

 their companions; and, at least, in one instance, a nest of young Java 

 Sparrows was interfered with, and plucked nearly bare; apparently for 

 mischief's sake only. 



In the house, however, as cage birds there are few that surpass the 

 Yellow-naped Parrakeet, which is intelligent, beautiful, hardy, and 



