50 TBI-OOLOUBED LOBY. 



True, it screams now and then, like all the Lories, indeed like all 

 the Psittacidce, but its cries are not harsh, and by no means unbearable: 

 on the contrary, to the writer at all events, there is something fasci- 

 nating-, not to say soothing, in the notes of this most charming bird; 

 which on account of its rariety in the market commands a high price, 

 £4 or £5 per head, according to its condition when received by the 

 dealers. 



The Tri-coloured Lories that are now and then offered for sale in 

 this country have, it must not be forgotten, been taken from the nest 

 when young, and educated carefully by their captors, who are usually 

 endowed with a large stock of patience; they are consequently, as the 

 Germans say, "finger-tame," and make the most charming pets 

 imaginable. How a specimen captured when full-grown would comport 

 itself in confinement we cannot say, not having had the advantage, 

 or disadvantage, of observing one under such conditions; but we venture 

 to think it would not be difficult to tame, though perhaps it might 

 not prove to be quite as teachable as another that had been taken in 

 hand and trained from the nest. 



Dr. Russ, on the authority of Seba, relates that a Dutchman bought 

 one of these Lories from a native in Amboina for 500 guelders, which 

 taking into consideration the beauty and charming disposition of the 

 bird, was not, he thought, too high a price to pay for it; it spoke a 

 number of words distinctly, and that in several languages; would 

 wish him "good morning", and sing a song. So attached was this 

 bird to his master (whether the Dutchman or the native is not stated) 

 that it died of grief when separated from him. 



Edwards highly praises a bird of this description, which spoke quite 

 distinctly a number of words, and would jump nimbly from its perch 

 on to his finger, calling out in a soft, clear voice, "Lory! Lory!" It 

 would play with his hand, swing too and fro, and hop as lightly as a 

 sparrow. It did not long survive its arrival in England. 



Buffon also, as might be expected from a Frenchman, gives "Le 

 Lori des Dames" an excellent charactei', comparing its charming dis- 

 position with its beautiful coat, and affirming that neither can be excelled 

 by any other member of the family. 



Dr. Meyer has at different times possessed a number of these Lories 

 which all spoke distinctly. 



On the other hand Finsch credits them with small capacity for 

 learning to speak, which he says they never do with the facility and 

 fluency of other Parrots. The preponderance of the testimony we have 

 been able to collect upon the subject, is decidely in favour of the 

 Tri-colour as a talking Lory, and not only a talking, but a generally 



