22 
My Pet ToHcanctte. 
" some " job. Gum, jam, and candy he will not eat. All the 
rest, including snakes and mice, if you gave them, — yes! To 
be scratched is wonderful and the operation is assisted by 
throwing out all the feathers that a fellow may have the full 
effect on his skin. Purring" accompanies same. When harsh 
he is voicing displeasure, watch out or get nipped. That is 
what he is now doing on the pencil. It should be his, but as I 
can't see it that way my fingers get it. When scolded he departs 
to the far corner to sulk (for a few seconds only). Curiosity 
IS the greatest treat. Open a drawer and he must sec what is 
therein. Must also help (?) in the morning when food for the 
day is being prepared, when cleaning" cages, changing water, 
investigate your shoe laces and eyes. In short, all and every- 
thing. 
A white Java Sparrow, sharing his room, i8ft. x 12ft. x 
8ft., is not molested, though finger tame and petted, the 
" Gentleman " is apparently not jealous. Not so with a 
iroupial in a rather large brass cage. The door was one dav 
left open, and Troupial was rescued minus his scalp feathers 
and considerably mussed and hurt in the leg. 
He dislikes the butler and, I believe, the reason follows : — 
Eating lunch one day of hamburger steak, bread and butter, 
apple from pie, etc., we were longer than the others and the 
table was cleared, all except the water glasses. When the first 
of these started to go, so did the " Gentleman," and he got what 
ae went after, the butler's hand, gripping" and shaking it like a 
dog. The water remained and the butler departed, whereupon 
his highness took sundry and copious draughts, just an any 
regular bird should do with his meals ! This is the only way I 
can account for the dislike, as formerly the butler stood in 
better than I did. 
These dark nights upon returning home I hold my hand 
under the electric light which 1 turn on in the hall and call the 
boy. (3ut he comes and lights on the wing for a worm or grape 
and a talk. 
The bird show is the " Gentleman's " delight. Everyone 
pats him and the more the better, but home the day after, — not 
