BUDGEBIGAB. 
115 
said about the necessity of giring the Budgerigar, and for that matter 
all Parrots, a sufficient supply of soft food during tho breeding-season. 
The following amusing and interesting account of the entree of a 
young Budgerigar into the aviary world, is from the graphic pen of 
M. E. Leroy: — 
“When a month old, the youthful Parrakeet has grown all his 
feathers, and begins to pop his head out of the hole of the log in 
which he was born. 
“His parents are near at hand, and cheer him on. 
“He is hungry and begs for food: but instead of feeding him as 
usual, they promise him some by and bye: they show it to him on 
the point of the paternal beak: they offer it to him, backing away at 
the same time, in order to induce him to advance: in other words, 
they hold the sweet-meat high. 
“He would gladly come out, but is afraid. 
“He puts out his head, and, amazed by the unknown, by the vastness 
of all around, backs in again. 
“Ho looks down, and is seized with giddiness: he looks up, and 
tho giddiness increases: it is so deep, up there! 
“He, too, would gladly fly like his parents, enjoy all the beautiful 
things he sees, bathe himself in the sun rays, drink the dew, plume 
himself on the perches, take his place at the seed-pan, cling to the 
spray of chickweed. 
“Ah! yes, he would, indeed — but — he is afraid. 
“He ventures half his body out; he is off. Not at all! he darts 
back again. The unknown attracts, and at the same time appals him. 
He longs and is afraid. 
“His parents, who understand his hesitation, come to the rescue. 
“While his mother endeavours to coax him out with the bribe of 
a dainty morsel, carefully held beyond his reach, the father, who has 
crept into the interior of the log, comes upon him unawares, and gives 
him a push behind to make him get on. 
“In vain! Tho child clings hard, and refuses to budge. It will 
not be this time. 
“This pretty comedy sometimes continues for two or three days, 
during which time the old hollow log will afford you as much entertain- 
ment as a vaudeville. 
“All at once, when you are beginning to think he will never stir, 
the youngster, who has at length grown familiar with the appearance 
of the outside world, with the limitless expanse around him, the 
youngster makes a start, and half afraid, half pleased, settles himself 
upon a perch. 
