422 
PARROT. 
nity that is not to be found in the rest of this most 
extensive tribe. These birds spread through the 
southern parts of India, where they are found in 
inconceivable numbers. They are gentle in their 
manners, and are attentive and obedient, but not 
so easily taught as other parrots. They scream 
abominably, and sometimes are not to be pacified 
without a piece of bread or other food being given 
them. One of these birds, perched in the great 
room at Exeter ’Change, continued to squall almost 
incessantly during the time we were there ; and, as 
if his note was inspiring, the other animals some- 
times joined their voices, so that the full concert 
was hardly to be endured. The forests in the tro- 
pical countries swarm with parrots, who live chiefly 
on fruit and seeds. They go in flocks of immense 
numbers, and are excessively noisy, particularly 
during their flight. They generally breed in hol- 
low trees, where they lay two or three speckled 
eggs ; and we are assured that the natives of these 
countries are particularly vigilant to discover where 
the parrot nestles, that they may secure the young 
birds, and bring them up for sale. The natural 
harsh tone of the parrot is often much improved 
by education ; and his imitative property, while it 
excites our wonder, implies a peculiarity in the 
organs of the voice, and a strength of mechanical 
recollection that is not to be equalled by any other 
bird. Accordingly we find sufficient room in the 
bill for the tongue to play freely, and, from its singu- 
lar form and great capacity, it is well calculated to 
