Page:Natural History, Birds.djvu/207

194. This faculty is possessed by the various genera, however, in very different degrees.

Extraordinary examples of the imitative talent in these birds are on record, combined in some instances, at least, with what looks so like intelligence as to cause surprise and admiration. We quote the following interesting account from the "Gleanings" of Mr. Jesse, the more readily as that accurate observer seems, from his introductory remark, in some degree to authenticate the marvellous statement.

After speaking of the renowned Parrot belonging to Colonel O'Kelly, Mr. Jesse proceeds thus:—"There is another Parrot, which is occasionally brought from Brighton to Hampton Court, that appears to equal it in intelligence and power of imitation. I had seen and heard so much of this bird, that I requested the sister of its owner to furnish me with some particulars respecting it. The following is her lively and brilliant account of it:—

'As you wished me to write down whatever I could collect about my sister's wonderful Parrot, I proceed to do so, only premising that I will tell you nothing but what I can vouch for having myself heard. Her laugh is quite extraordinary, and it is impossible to help joining in it oneself, more especially when in the midst of it she cries out, "Don't make me laugh so. I shall die, I shall die;" and then continues laughing more violently than before. Her crying and sobbing are curious; and if you say, "Poor Poll! what is the matter?" she says, "So bad! so bad! got such a cold!" and after crying for some time will gradually cease, and making a noise like drawing