I FACULTIES OF PARROTS. 73 



would immediately imitate, by striking his broad 

 bill against the sides of his perch. 



The light of candles would awaken him, and he 

 would then dance and discriminate persons ; but on 

 being presented with sugar, or any food, he often 

 missed it. He frequently on such occasions became 

 anxious to be held upon the hands, to flutter his 

 wings ; but he never seemed to have any inclination 

 to fly, and appeared perfectly happy in the partial 

 liberty which he enjoyed. 



That Parrots are sufficiently alive to their own 

 interest, is a fact well illustrated by the history 

 of a large Red Maccaw, which belonged to an 

 honom-able and gallant friend of ours, who was 

 lately Governor of Trinidad. This Parrot was 

 accustomed to fly about all over the capital of the 

 island, and being known as the Governor's bird, he 

 met every where with that respect which is usually 

 paid to those who are clothed in scarlet and gold, 

 and who live in palaces. At first, his perigrinations 

 were made with great care, to keep himself free 

 from all chance of exposure to injury or insult from 

 the canaille. But, as he gradually discovered that 

 the inhabitants, of all kinds and colours, so far 

 from offering him offence of any sort, were rather 

 disposed to yield the wall or the " crown of the 

 . causeway" to him, wherever he appeared, he grew 

 proud, and bold, and conceited, and strutted through 

 the streets with an air of insolent superiority, as if 

 he regarded all birds, beasts, and human beings, as 

 reptiles of the earth in comparison with himself. 



G 



