29 
EAUTIFUL OR 
JgARADISE IgARRAKEET. 
Psitiacus pulcherrimus, Russ. 
Synonyms : Psephotus pulcherrimus, Gld., Bp.; Platycercus 
pulcherrimus, Gr., Fnsch.; Euphema pulcherrima. German : Der 
Paradiessittich. 
ORB lovely, if possible, than the Many-coloured Parrakeet, the 
subject of the present chapter is even more unsatisfactory as a 
pet. 
No one can see it without desiring to possess so beautiful and graceful 
a bird, and large sums are constantly being paid for handsome speci- 
mens by amateurs : but, alas ! one in a thousand survives a few months, 
and — dies suddenly in a fit one day. 
Much acrimonious controversy has been expended on the subject of 
the endurance or non-endurance of these birds in captivity. Dr. Russ 
and Mr. Wiener consider that it is all but impossible to preserve it 
for more than a few months, while other writers look upon it as not 
more difficult to keep than a Budgerigar; one author calls it a “Grass 
Parrakeet”, but admits that it “requires skilful management”, as 
without “the most watchful care”, it has “a nasty habit of shuffling 
off this mortal coil without giving any previous intimation of its 
intention so to do.” 
Such also is our own experience, but we have nevertheless seen 
specimens in magnificent plumage that survived in an out-door aviary 
for nearly two years, and may be there yet for anything we know to 
the contrary; they were fed and treated as we have recommended in 
the last chapter for the Many-coloured Parrakeet: and in Germany 
eggs have been produced, but, as yet, no young of this species have 
been reared in captivity; at least, to our knowledge. 
