CAROLINA PARROT. 
549 
The Carolina Parrot is readily tamed, and early shows 
an attachment to those around who bestow any attention 
on its wants ; it soon learns to recollect its name, and to 
answer and come when called on. It does not, however, 
evince much, if any capacity, for mimicking human 
speech, or sounds of any kind ; and, as a domestic, is 
very peaceable and rather taciturn. It is extremely 
fond of nuts and almonds, and may be supported on the veg- 
etable food usually given to other species. One which I 
saw at Tuscaloosa, a week after being disabled in the 
wing, seemed perfectly reconciled to its domestic condi- 
tion ; and as the weather was rather cold, it remained the 
greater part of the time in the house, climbing up the 
sides of the wire fender to enjoy the warmth of the fire. 
I was informed, that when first caught it scaled the side 
of the room, at night, and roosted in a hanging posture 
by the bill and claws ; but finding the labor difficult and 
fruitless, having no companion near which to nestle, it 
soon submitted to pass the night on the back of a chair. 
When placed in a cage out of doors, in a suitable situ- 
ation, the call of the prisoner instantly awakens the sym- 
pathy of the passing flocks, who from the neighbouring 
trees sometimes enter into communion with their disabled 
or detained companion. A caged bird, as with some 
of the other species, and particularly the ‘Inseparable/ is 
extremely pleased with the society of a companion, and 
they are observed to roost side by side, even thrusting 
their heads, at such times, into the plumage of each 
other, and thus, by a variety of delicate attentions, 
succeed in ameliorating the misfortunes of confinement 
and unnatural restraint. Even her own image in a look- 
ing-glass often seems to diminish the weariness of soli- 
tude, and by the side of this pleasing phantom, the Parrot 
or the Canary sinks satisfied to repose. 
