nd strength.
The parrot had a temporary perch before the window, and on the cage
nearest to him the mocking-bird took his place, and after posturing and
threatening, stooped to a crouching position, and then darted past him,
trying to hit him as he went. The first time this occurred the parrot
whirled on his perch and cried "Whoo!" and after that greeted every
charge with a very good imitation of a policeman's rattle, probably as
the loudest and most terrifying noise he could make. So determined was
the belligerent fellow to subdue or annihilate the larger bird, and so
reckless were his attacks, that I had to keep him a prisoner during the
few days the parrot was in the room, for hospitality must not be
violated. It is interesting to note that so great was his variety of
resource that he had a distinctly different method of warfare in each of
the six cases mentioned.

A dignified composure was so natural to my bird that he was never
startled out of it, not even when suddenly enveloped in a shawl, a
proceeding that greatly alarms birds of less self-possession. It was
necessary on one occasion to catch him to return him to his cage, where
he might be protected from the cold of the night. All the usual ways
were tried without success, so lightly did he slip away, so gracefully
and calmly did he flutter around the room, not in the least disturbed or
confused by the darkness, and quite willing to play hide-and-seek all
night. No other way availing, the last resource was tried--throwing a
shawl over him as he stood crouched on the top of the cage, ready for
instant flight. Not a flutter nor a cry arose, and it seemed that he
must have escaped; but on looking through the cage from below, he was
seen flattened against the wires, but perfectly quiet, submissive to the
inevitable, like any other philosopher. He was gathered up in the folds
and carefully uncovered before his own door, when he simply hopped to a
perch and coolly returned the gaze of his captors, not a feather out of
place, not in the smallest degree disconcerted.

Amusements were not lacking in this interesting life aside from the
pleasures of worrying and teasing, which plainly were entertainments for
him. He indulged in other performances which distinctly were play.
Especially was this true of the habit he imitated from the
Mexican,--tramping across two cages heavily, with as much noise as
possible, and then with an extravagant jump landing on another cage,
whe