The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-02-02

a novel conflict in the heart Of Gua-
tenalan forest between two parrots.
1t was in the afternoon, and the long
wait for a deer, which never came, by
the side of a mountain stream had
been fatiguing. 1t was warm in the
forest. On one side of the stand
little river rippled over the stones. Save
for the drone always heard in such
place, the occasional chirp of an insect,
the rustic of an animal, probably a
peccary, in the foliage. all was still.
The gigantic ferns and vines matted TO-
gether effectually concealed the watch
er, as he leaned his back against the
smooth, white trunk of a tree, which
ran straight up in the air, without
limb, for IS or so feet. The hunter had
almost fallen asleep. Suddenly, scream
ing shrlly and fiereely, two parrots
darted out from the surrounding foil
age, apparently so intent on their quar-
rel as to be totally unaware of the
presence of man. Up and down,
around the tree, first one in pursuit
then the other they flew with feathers
ruffied and every evidence of parrot
rage. Several times they vanished into
the darp depths of the forest, their
cries growing fainter and fainter. Then
as quickly they appeared and the chase
about the white body of the tree began
again.
Apparently with one accord the two
birds alighted. They were fine speci-
mems, both males, from their brilliant
plumage and their size. The deer for
gotten, the hunter watched the two
contestants. They rested within foot
or so of one another, bills open and
neck feathers ruffled like two game
cocks. Then, as If sparring for an opan-
ing, they advanced on one another.
Feathers flew, and both retreated. They
were too tired from their efforts to ut
ter more than an occasional cry. AS
quick as flash one darted at the other,
Selling it's neck in the powerful DeaN
There was snip! like that of pair of
shears through thick piece of cloth.
With it's neck hanging limp and striv-
ing to retain foothold by one claw,
the injured bird fiuttered to the ground,
catching here and there an outStretch-
ed branch or vine tendril. With cry
triumph the victor flew swiftly into the
forest and was gone. When. examined
the dead bird was found to have had its
neck almost severed. Those who nave
experienced the force of a bite from the
strong bill of one of the birds can rec
ognze how readily the feathered con-
queror disposed of it's rival. AS gen
eral thing the Guatemalan parrot is
| considered to have an excellent DISPOSE
! ton, compared with those of some Of
| the OLnGr central american SL1lcs. II Ia
! asserted. however, that such cont1icis
are not infrequent among Them.
| The best parrots on the Pacific coast,
at least from Panama to San Francisco,
are said to come from Corfnto, Nicara
| qua Every north-bound steamer
which stops at that port takes on board
| dozens of the birds. The occupants of
| the forecastle do considerable specula
| ton in that line, disposing If tile birds
| in San Francisco at 200 or 300 per cent.
| above their cost in silver or tin money.
1t was this which led traveller On a
| ship to San Francisco to remark sapi-
emily that after leaving Corinto there
were far more parrots aboard than JAS
| sengers.
| The birds build their nests in hollow
trees, and they must be taken young in
order to be properly educated for pets.
No parrot having attained it's majority
without having become acquainted with
a human can be tamed.-New York Sun.