84 



INTELLECTUAL AND IMITATIVE 



which all animals enjoy, in a greater or less degree, 

 we willingly allow them a large portion of intelli- 

 gence. They possess many of those feelings which 

 endear them to the human race. Most of the species j 

 are affectionate and docile, forming strong and lasting \ 

 attachments to individuals. They can express by j 

 their gestures and voice the strongest indications of ' 

 regard, and will even caress the object of their ; 

 attachment in a tender manner; while they utter ] 

 sounds so expressive of regard, that they cannot be 3 

 misunderstood by those who are accustomed to their 

 company. They can at once distinguish a stranger, 

 and will not allow him to use any familiarity ; and to ^ 

 some individuals with whom they are acquainted, i 

 they sometimes manifest capricious aversion, which 

 nothing but severity of treatment will subdue, and 

 that only in a temporary way ; for it has been known 

 to continue for many years, and not to be overcome 

 either by caresses or correction. 



It has been asserted that male Parrots attach 

 themselves to women in preference to men, and in 

 many instances will never be reconciled to the latter ; 

 and that females, on the other hand, are always most 

 familiar with men. M. Vieillot is firmly of this 

 belief, and gives an instance of one which occurred 

 in his own family. It was a male ash-coloured 

 Parrot, which he never durst approach without being 

 provided with a pair of thick leather gloves. This 

 animal, however, was affectionate and obedient to 

 Madame Vieillot, whom he caressed in the most 

 tender manner. On the other hand, a female of the 



