i III ) 
1883.] 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
%* The Editor does not hold himself responsible for statements of fads or 
opinions expressed in Correspondence, or in Articles bearing the signature 
of their respective authors. 
THE NICETY OF BIRDS. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science. 
Sir, — The following facfts will perhaps not be unwelcome to that 
numerous portion of your readers who take an interest in animal 
psychology : — 
A canary-bird belonging to an acquaintance is exceedingly 
fond of bathing. As he makes a considerable slop in so doing, 
the lady to whom he belongs placed his cage in the kitchen till 
he should have taken his bath ; but the bird on such occasions 
invariably refused to enter the water till he was brought back 
into the breakfast parlour. 
Another canary had been accustomed to have his bath in a cup 
of black glass. It having been broken, a common earthenware 
cup was substituted ; but the bird refused to bathe till a glass 
vessel (this time colourless) was obtained. 
A large grey parrot belonging to a neighbour of mine is much 
offended if his cage is not cleaned out regularly. On one occa- 
sion, having been negledted for nearly a week, he fell to work, 
and with beak and feet contrived to throw all the sand, fragments 
of food, &c., which had accumulated at the bottom of the cage, 
down upon the carpet. 
These fa<5ls show that birds have a sense of order, neatness, 
and even elegance, and that their whole nature is not absorbed 
in the gratification of their physical wants. — I am, &c., 
H. M. 
