“Thank you, Harry!” said Uncle Thomas. “We shall now stop for the evening; but before you go, I must tell you of a little adventure with a Lynx, which happened to a gentleman who was enjoying the sport of Turkey-shooting:—‘Having seen a large flock of Turkeys at some distance,’ says he, ‘I approached them with great caution, when singling out a large cock, and being just on the point of firing, I observed that several young cocks were affrighted, and, in their language warned the rest to be on their guard against an enemy, who I plainly perceived was industriously making his subtle approaches towards them, behind the fallen trunk of a tree, about twenty yards from me. This cunning fellow-hunter was a large Wild-cat or Lynx; he saw me, and at times seemed to watch my motions, as if determined to seize the delicious prey before me, upon which I changed my object, and levelled my piece at him. At this instant my companion, at a distance, also discharged his gun, the report of which alarmed the flock of Turkeys, and my fellow-hunter, the Lynx, sprang over the log, and trotted off.’” [Illustration: “He seemed to watch my motions, as if determined to seize the delicious prey.” Page 168. ] CHAPTER VIII. UNCLE THOMAS TELLS ABOUT PARROTS, THEIR SEEMING INTELLIGENCE, AND RELATES SEVERAL CURIOUS STORIES OF THEIR POWER OF IMITATING THE HUMAN VOICE. “To-night,” said Uncle Thomas, on the following evening, “I am going to tell you about a family of Birds, which, from the splendour of their plumage, and the ease with which they can be taught to imitate the human voice, have continued to be great favourites ever since their introduction into Europe.” “Oh! it is Parrots you mean, I suppose, Uncle Thomas!” said Jane. “It is so, Jane,” said Uncle Thomas; “and I have many very curious stories to tell you about them.” “Where do Parrots come from?” asked Mary.