THE MINAH MUST LEARN SOMETHING.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2233, 30 October 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE MINAH MUST LEARN SOMETHING.

A gentleman residing in Ceylon wished to make a present to a maiden aunt of his living in London, and he could think of nothing so suitable and likely to be a source of amusement to her as a minah — a small bird corresponding in appearance and size to our common blackbird, and rivalling the parrot in powers of imitation. Procuring a good specimen of the species fresh from the forest, he set a watch upon his own tongue, avoiding all slang and being very careful in respect of grammar. Then taking the bird on board a vesßel about to sail for England, he gave it to the ship's cook, with a promiso that, if the bird were delivered into the hands of tho lady with its vocabulary undented, a bonus of ten shillings would be forthcoming ; whereupon the cook promised to take all possible care of tho bird— to nourish and watch over his morals. On the voyage the minah exercised a marked influence for good over one part, at least, of the vessel, and the cook's cuddy was a perfect hall of propriety ; and in duo course he received his ten shillings. A few weeks passed, and then the gentleman in Ceylon received a letter from his aunt. She thanked him for his gift, but said she had been obliged to part with the minah — not, however, on account of the expressions he made use of, for his language was correctness itself ; but she could not endure all day long plaintive cries of "Steward!" with marvellous never-ceasing imitations of tho distressful sounds issuing from the lips of passengers suffering from ma I de mcr.