12 
ORNITHOLOGICAL CRITICISMS. 
marvel as the 44 learned Pig,” or the 44 Reading Fly.” Most probably 44 poor Poll” 
had been taught a well-known ditty of which the above words form a part; B and 
by repeating them under the circumstances mentioned, at once proved that they 
were delivered 44 by rote.” Of course this anecdote can only be employed as 
positive evidence respecting the individual bird concerned; but at the same time 
it may serve as a salutary caution to those naturalists who frame hasty and crude 
theories from a few ill-attested 44 facts.” 
Many years ago I was acquainted with a tippling physician in Germany, and 
as that worthy gentleman has long since been 44 numbered with his fathers,” I 
believe the following circumstance may be narrated without fear of bringing down 
an action for libel on the Editor of The Naturalist , even supposing I had mentioned 
names. I was one evening at a party composed of ladies and gentlemen of 
various countries, and where scandal seemed to form as regular food for the 
inmates of the house as in any small country-town in England. My friend Dr. 
H-, who was addicted to the one great vice I have mentioned, of course 
always came in for his full share of abuse, and on the evening in question the 
remarks on his weakness were free and loud. I beheld a 44 talking Parrot” in one 
corner of the saloon; and, remembering our English volumes containing legions 
of Parrot-anecdotes, I could not but fear that some day or another mischief 
would result from the out-pourings of its throat. Though a talking Parrot, 
however, it appeared to be in a listening mood. Well, in course of time Dr. 
H-was duly announced by the servant, and while the man of medicine 
was stalking through the passage, some one observed in joke that two bowls of 
punch would be required now that the physician had arrived. The parlour-door 
was thrown open, Dr. H -was again announced, and all were on the eve of 
giving him as warm a greeting as if he were the bosom friend of each individual 
present, when wicked Poll, in his loudest ke} 7 , shouted out,— 44 Two bowls will 
be required for Doctor IT—- , two bowls will be required for Doctor H-, 
Doctor H- and six bottles for ever!” &c. &c. In short, the Parrot was 
perfectly elated by the appearance of my friend, and he continuted to vociferate 
the above and other equally complimentary phrases for several minutes without 
intermission. Reader ! spare me the task of relating what ensued. Suffice it to 
add, that the Doctor never again set foot in that house, that no individual then 
present ever enjoyed his further friendship, and that in an hour’s time every 
person of any respectability (!) in the town had heard how the Doctor had been 
put to confusion by a bird. But enough of Parrots for the present. 
In Derbyshire I am told that the following method of catching the Bullfinch 
is practised with success b} 7 the country people. Two or more Bullfinches being 
observed to alight on a hedge, a boy stands on each side of it, and both the urchins 
frighten the poor birds until they drop down on the ground, and are captured. 
