Beschreibung:

STEINBECK, John. Autograph manuscript signed ("John") entitled "Some notes on John L.," comprising instructions for the care of his pet Myna bird, prepared for Fred Zinneman, 2 January. No year. 2 pages, folio, on rectos of two sheets yellow lined paper. Note in felt marker at top of page 1" "From John Steinbeck." STEINBECK AND A PET BIRD. The pet Myna bird, his owner explains, "...is very gregarious, loves company of people, animals and other birds and will talk endlessly if encouraged. Darkness will silence him however. When he gets tired he rolls up in a piece of newspaper and sleeps on the floor of his cage. He eats nearly anything, loves fruit-bananas, apples and pears, grapes. A spoon full of kennel ration is his favorite or a piece of raw hamburger...The basic food is a mixture made for nightingales which you can get at any pet store. I add a few drops of wheat germ oil for his coat. I will enclose some in the cage..." "He loves to bathe...I put a deep saucer of water in his cage in the morning. I have found that if you feed him in the morning and then take his food away about one hour before you want to play with him that the dropping problem is solved. Also when he is hungry he is easy to train.I let him come to my hand for a raisin...I am told that he is susceptible to drafts...He is very clever with his beak....Except for bits of food given as reward in training, it is best to feed him only in his cage. This gives him a sense of belonging some place. When I have let him free, he has always gone back to his cage by himself. If you are going to let him free outside, it might be well to clip one wing until he gets to know you. This is a young bird. He will grow larger and his beak will become blood orange in color..." In conclusion, Steinbeck writes "That's all I can think of right now. I hope you will find him as interesting as I have..."