84 
THE CAROLINA PARROT. 
of the cage ; chattered to it in a low tone of voice, as if 
sympathizing in its misfortune; scratched about its head 
and neck with her bill ; and both at night nestled as close 
as possible to each other, sometimes Polks head being 
thrust among the plumage of the other. On the death of 
this companion, she appeared restless and inconsolable for 
several days. 
On reaching New Orleans, I placed a looking-glass beside 
the place where she usually sat, and the instant she per- 
ceived her image, all her former fondness seemed to return, 
so that she could scarcely absent herself from it a moment. 
It was evident that she was completely deceived. Always 
when evening drew on, and often during the day, she laid 
her head close to that of the image in the glass, and began 
to doze with great composure and satisfaction. In this 
short space she had learned to know her name ; to answer, 
and come when called on ; to climb up my clothes, sit on 
my shoulder, and eat from my mouth. I took her with me 
to sea, determined to persevere in her education; but, 
destined to another fate, poor Poll, having one morning, 
about day-break, wrought her way through the cage, while 
I was asleep, instantly flew overboard and perished in the 
Gulf of Mexico. 
