feathers
were longer of coming than were the others; and when our mother was out
of hearing, my brothers would laugh at me, and make fun of my big
head--for it certainly was a very large head. This treatment spoiled my
temper, and I would sit and sulk by myself, taking a delight in refusing
to join in any of their sports when a fourth was required. I used to
creep up to the top of the tree, and sit trimming my feathers, spreading
them out and trying to make the most of their scanty appearance, till my
patience was rewarded; for beyond a doubt, at the end of the fifth month
my plumage was something wonderful to behold for beauty. As for my head
being large, it now helped to show off the splendid yellow crest; and
the awkward look was quite gone. Still my temper hadn't improved; indeed
I think it was worse, for conceit was added to my other bad qualities;
and when I would have liked to be amiable and join the merry flock of
cockatoos that lived in the trees near us, they would have nothing to
say to me. My mother used often to moan and vex herself about me, and
she did her best to keep as near me as she could, warning me that it was
not safe for a cockatoo to wander far from his home. And then she would
tell me of wonderful escapes she had made in her day, both from wild
animals and the snares of wicked men. Though these stories frightened me
terribly, I must own, making my crest stand up with fright to hear her,
still I used to beg her to tell me more, for it was often a change from
the dull hours I spent; and I must say my mother behaved in a most
amiable manner towards me.

"Then she would take pains to show us what kind of fruits to eat,
warning us particularly against the fruit of the cotton-tree, which,
though pleasant to the taste, was a dangerous one for taking away the
senses. Ah, if I had only followed her advice! Still, with my mother for
company now and then, my days were very happy, in spite of the coldness
and dislike of my brothers and their young companions. Indeed, living in
my lovely home, it would have been strange if I had felt anything else.
How often since, while sitting in this cage or on my perch, have I
thought of those happy days of freedom! Forests of woods and grasses,
bearing the most lovely flowers and the most delicious fruits, from the
edge of the sea to the top of the mountain. And then the clear cool
water, where we could plunge ourselves several times a day;--how
different from the small