Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 103, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 April 1910 — AND THEIR CARS. [ARTICLE]

AND THEIR CARS.

Best Met Sod of Treat In* Bird Ttot pESPrt from time Immemorial has been the pet and plaything of men, women and children, and chiefly beloved—one knows not why—of royalty, prima donna and eminent men of science. It is well known that parrotgattaln a great age, and there is still one living that belonged to George IY.,> and he is far from being the oldest bird in England. There is yet another illustrious parrot who has gained considerable fame in the consulting room of a famous London nerve specialist, and calls upon the patients to "kiss him quick,” and “have done with It,” and has even been heard to murmur “fine girl” after the exit of a lady from the room, the London Daily Mail says. ' Whether parrots do or do not know what they are talking about is a moot question, but the writer of these lines has at least had personal Acquaintance with one parrot who had glimmerings' of sense. JEa leave parrots in particular for parrots In general the question arises: What is the best way t q treat them? As to their food, it should be seeds —canary, hemp (but not too much), millet, boiled maize, linseed, rape, and the like. Bread soaked In hot water Is good, given twice a fruit in moderation and in variety is wholesome, suqh as grapes, apples and pears, an occasional raisin and lettuce. Gray parrots are very fond of rice, and almost all parrots appreciate rice pudding, and have a taste, too, for bread and butter. Meat is had for them. Clean, fresh wood should be given them bo gnaw, bits of elm, birch, larch and chestnut. Fresh dry gravel must be sprinkled at the bottom of the' cage every day and fresh water be put in the glass. It is important that parrots should, have the opportunity to stand flatfooted. So if the cage has wires at the bottom it is well to remove them. Always to have his claws round perch is injurious to any bird, and two perches of different size are advisable, so that he stay change his posture at will. When a parrot continues to scream he wants water or food, or feels 111 and uncomfortable,-or maybe is merely dull. Music, which he loves, will cheer him up at all times. A parrot learns to talk only from one who speaks very slowly and distinctly to him, and preferably when he is about to fall asleep. Last, but not least, a parrot should be carefully covered at,nlght.