FACULTIES OF PARROTS. 59 



is very destructive in its effects ; it cuts lli3 cloth 

 of the furniture, splits the wood of the chairs, and 

 tears paper, pens, and other articles. And if it be 

 removed from the spot, its proneness to contra- 

 diction will instantly bring it back. But this 

 mischievous bent is counterbalanced by agreeable 

 qualities, for it remembers readily what it is taught 

 to say. Before articulating, it claps its wings, and 

 plays on its roost ; in the cage it becomes dejected, 

 and continues silent, and never prattles well except 

 when it enjoys liberty. 



" In its cheerful days it is affectionate, receives 

 and returns caresses, and listens and obeys ; though 

 a peevish fit often interrupts the harmony. It 

 seems affected by the change of weather, and 

 becomes silent ; the way to reanimate it is to sing 

 beside it, and it then strives, by its noisy screams, 

 to surpass the voice which excites it. It is fond of 

 children, in which respect it differs from most other 

 Parrots. It contracts a predilection for some of 

 them, and will bite ferociously any person who then 

 attempts to touch them. If its favourite children 

 leave it, it is unhappy, follows, and calls loudly after 

 them. During the time of moulting it is much 

 reduced, and seems to endure great pain ; and this 

 state lasts for nearly three months." 



The following anecdote is mentioned in the 

 Sporting Magazine for July, 1816. From Sporting 

 Excursions at the Cape : — " In passing by the 

 garden,*' (of a house they visited,) " we heard a 

 talking, which our Portuguese, after attentively 



