THE HUMMING-BIRDS. * 



The Huniming-bircls have been fairly characterised as fairv-like, and may be truly 

 designated " the jewels of ornithology." They are tlie 



" Least of the winged vuuiants of the sky." 



How sweetly has Mary Howitt sung : — 



The liummiiig-bird ! tlie Inimniiiig-bird '. 



So faii'V-hke and bright ; 

 It lives among the sunny ilowers, 



A creature of dcHght ! 



In the radiant ishmdsof the Ka.'-t, 



Where fragrant spices grow, 

 A thousand, thousand humming-birds 



Are gluncing to and fro. 



Like living tires tliey flit about. 



Scarce larger than a bee, 

 Among the dusk jialnietto leaves, 



,\iid through the f'an-pahn trei. 



And in the wild and verdant woods. 



Whore stately morass tower, 

 AVlure hangs from branching tree to tree 



The scarlet passion flower. 



• TrocliiliJic. 



