BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 93 



brilliant coloration. Dr. Bryant states that its food consists almost 

 entirely of small berries, and, according to my observation, this state- 

 ment is correct ; but they also eat many species of insects, and 

 sometimes fruits. Although very abundant near Nassau, on the 

 island of New Providence, they are rather uncommon at Long 

 Island, and only a single specimen was seen at Inagua. Gosse 

 found this species near Spanish Town, Jamaica, where he claims 

 it was not common. He gives an interesting account of a bird of 

 this species which he procured alive. He says : — 



" I carried him home in my handkerchief, and put him into a 

 large cage, where he soon became quite a favorite. From the very 

 first, he was fearless and lively, found the use of the perches imme- 

 diately, and did not flutter or beat himself against the sides, though 

 persons stood close to the cage. This was large enough to allow a 

 short flight, and as there were several perches inserted at various 

 heights and distances into the sides, he spent a great deal of his 

 time in leaping from one to the other, seeming to enjoy it much. 

 Seeing this, I put in one or two more, which were no sooner ready 

 than he took notice of them ; cautiously, at first, as if doubtful 

 whether they could bear him. Soon, however, he ventured boldly, 

 and then took them regularly in his course. He always slept on 

 the highest perch, with his head behind his wing. He was in full 

 plumage, and his gay breast and the fine contrasts of his striped 

 head and wings showed him off to advantage. I knew nothing that 

 he would eat, save the berries of the bully-tree, none of which grew 

 within a considerable distance. I first tried him with a few insects 



