FACULTIES OF PARROTS. 



85 



same species shewed marked symptoms of regard for 

 him. We cannot, however, lay this down as a rule 

 on such slender grounds. 



The natural notes of Parrots are, for the most 

 part, harsh and discordant screams, and almost every 

 species utters sounds peculiar to itself. 



All Parrots are susceptible of a considerable degree 

 of education ; but, as is the case with most other 

 animals, the earlier their instruction commences the 

 better. Various modes are adopted for impressing 

 upon them obedience. Some of these consist in 

 punishments, and others in rewards. Of the latter, 

 sugar, sweet wine, and stone fruit, form important 

 articles of temptation ; and, as punishments, immer- 

 sion in cold water, and puffing at them with tobacco 

 smoke, are resorted to. Another powerful stimulant 

 is to scratch their head, of which they are exces- 

 sively fond, as indeed are almost the whole feathered 

 creation ; and nothing so soon renders smaller birds 

 tame and familiar as frequently taking them in the 

 hand and scratching their heads. Parrots are also 

 soon taught to obey by using loud and authoritative 

 tones to them ; and they are extremely susceptible 

 of impressions from mild and affectionate words. 



The whole of the Parrot tribe, when taken old, 

 are very fierce in their disposition, and difficult to 

 [tame ; the savages, however, have the art of subduing 

 Ithem more speedily than other people. One of their 

 [methods is with the smoke of tobacco, as before 

 mentioned. This produces in them a kind of intoxi- 

 cation and faintness. When the effects of the smoke 



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