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a2 ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY. 
and then a sharp chirp, like that of a large beetle, among 
the earliest flowers in the garden. We look in the direction 
of the sound, and perceive our little stranger darting about, 
and thrusting his bill and little head into the flowers, 
busily searching for the small insects that inhabit them, 
and which constitute the principal part of his food. While 
we are looking at him, he suddenly alights on a twig, 
turns his gorgeous throat towards us, and scans us with 
his bright little black eyes. While he is perched, he busies 
himself in arranging his plumage, and cleaning from his 
feathers the drops of dew that have perhaps fallen upon 
him, uttering occasionally his merry chirp; presently his 
mate appears, and alights by his side. The little lovers (for 
they are still such) then indulge in mutual caresses, and 
apparently talk over with much earnestness their plans for 
future housekeeping. Woe to another humming-bird, if he 
comes in sight! for our little friend is not only jealous 
of his mate, but is very quarrelsome also, and protects his 
honor with great courage. As he darts off like a bullet at 
the intruder, his mate watches with no little interest for the 
results of the battle that is inevitable. The two males meet 
in the air, and fierce is the contest; their little wings beat 
the air with such force that their humming is heard at the 
Le LE LEER LIES ety AY OEMS ay Wat i nny cnet ae oe 
