BABBABANB'8 PABBAKEET. 
69 
suitable regimen predisposes them; to which recommendation we may 
add insect food^ and honey, or figs, crushed into a pulp, and slightly 
moistened, of which these birds appear to be passionately fond. 
They are not cleanly in their habits, and require a large well-sanded 
cage, but thrive better in an out-door aviary, where they should not 
be trusted with other birds smaller and weaker than themselves; for, 
although some individuals of the species are mild and peaceable, others, 
and we might say most of them, are treacherous and spiteful, sidling 
up to an unsuspecting bird that is quietly enjoying a siesta, and nipping 
it by the leg, which is generally broken, but occasionally cut clean 
off. 
They are common enough in the interior of New South Wales, and 
are not unfrequently caged in that country by the colonists, although 
they make poor talkers, but the difficulty of preserving them through 
the voyage, renders them always scarce in this country. 
Selby and Jardine’s account of this bird, written many years ago, 
is so interesting, and, in parts, so really amusing, that we are tempted 
to quote a portion of it here. — '“’In this handsome bird we have one of 
those interesting forms which so beautifully connect groups, otherwise 
distant and far removed: for though the character and shape of the 
tail, the well-defined ring or neck-collar, the proportions of the wings, 
etc., evidently place it in this genus [Palcaornis), its elevated tarsi and 
feet {sic) shew an approach to the Broad-tailed Division [Platyeereince) , 
which stands at the further extremity of the Psittacean family. It is 
also a native of New Holland, in which interesting country so many 
species of Platycereus have been discovered, the rest of the Bing Par- 
rakeets, being the greater part of them natives of Continental India, 
and its neighbouring islands It (the Barraband) was first figured 
by Mr. Swainson, in his elegant and valuable Illustrations, under the 
name of Psittacus Parrahandi, from a skin in the possession of Mr. 
Leadbeater Judging from the proportion of its legs and feet, we 
are led to suppose that it is more terrestrial in its habits than its 
congeners, or that, in addition to its scansorial or grasping powers, it 
possesses superior activity, and moves with greater facility upon the 
ground.” 
Which is actually the case, and shows what correct deductions may 
be adduced, by an experienced observer, even when the conclusion 
arrived at is not the true one, from analogies that would, doubtless, 
have escaped the notice of persons less used to exercise their reasoning 
powers. 
Our authors continue, “By Wagler this bird was removed from the 
genus Palceornis, and constitutes his genus Polytelis; but as the only 
