80 VA8A P ABBOT. 



its untimely and cruel ending, for the birds were undoubtedly a pair; 

 and we had hoped that during the coming summer (1887) we might 

 have had eggs, and perhaps young ones, from them. 



The survivor did not get tamer, and did not seem to mourn very 

 much for the loss of his companion; but having another use for his 

 habitation, we caught the savage, caged him and brought him indoors, 

 when, strange to relate, without any special attention on our part, he 

 soon got to be quite tame; taking food from the hand, and even 

 suffering his head to be scratched. Experience had evidently made 

 him wiser; he could appreciate the contrast between his spacious cage 

 indoors and his life of semi-freedom in an out-door aviary; between 

 the society of a mate who, even when accepting his caresses, was always 

 on the watch for an opportunity of giving him a bite; and the gentleness 

 of the hand that fed him and kept his house in order; and, as we 

 have said, he soon became quite tame, and is now a very amiable and 

 companionable bird, in perfect plumage and condition. 



We have also remarked at various times that other Parrots, when 

 turned out into a large aviary, were evidently quite unhappy there, and 

 evinced unmistakable signs of delight when restored to the narrower 

 precincts of the accustomed cage. 



A tame Parrot is a most delightful bird, and few birds become 

 tamer than a Parrot. 



Mr. Groom, of Camden Towu, writes concerning a Vasa Parrot, in 

 his possession for some time, that was exhibited at the twenty-fourth 

 Annual Exhibition of Canaries and Cage-birds at the Crystal Palace, 

 February, 1887: — '"When first caged my Black Parrot was dreadfully 

 wild and shy, but has gradually become more quiet, and will now hold 

 its head to be fondled, and appears in no way spiteful, although still 

 timid but gentle. My opinion of these birds is that they would become 

 very affectionate, if pains were taken with them. As to talking, I can 

 hardly form an opinion, yet think they might be induced to speak, if 

 trained and petted early." 



At the Palace Show this bird was evidently unwell, but made no 

 attempt to retaliate upon the numerous persons who poked him with 

 sticks and umbrellas; merely resenting their rudeness by a little grunt, 

 and immediately popping his head under his wing until disturbed 

 again. 



Mr. J. E. Blackham, of Chatham, who has kept almost every kind 

 of Parrot and Parrakeet that is imported into this country, writes as 

 follows concerning the species at present under consideration: — "I 

 have a fine specimen of the larger Vasa. He is nothing to look upon; 

 the first impression being generally, f how like a squeaker/ 



