AI image created by Barbara Schmidt |
He is a handsome large creature, with snowy white decorations, and is a
singer; he has a murmurous rich note that is lovely. He was once modest,
even diffident; but he lost all that when he found out that he was Australia's
sole musical bird. He has talent, and cuteness, and impudence; and in his
tame state he is a most satisfactory pet--never coming when he is called,
always coming when he isn't, and studying disobedience as an accomplishment.
He is not confined, but loafs all over the house and grounds, like the laughing
jackass. I think he learns to talk, I know he learns to sing tunes, and
his friends say that he knows how to steal without learning. I was acquainted
with a tame magpie in Melbourne. He had lived in a lady's house several
years, and believed he owned it. The lady had tamed him, and in return he
had tamed the lady. He was always on deck when not wanted, always having
his own way, always tyrannizing over the dog, and always making the cat's
life a slow sorrow and a martyrdom. He knew a number of tunes and could
sing them in perfect time and tune; and would do it, too, at any time that
silence was wanted; and then encore himself and do it again; but if he was
asked to sing he would go out and take a walk.
- Following the Equator |
