INTRODUCTORY. 11 



plumage of the Humming-Birds to adorn 

 their mantles ; and very superb these man- 

 tles were, sparkling with many-coloured 

 tints. And the Mexican youth thought 

 he could make no more costly present to 

 his bride than the gorgeous crest of the 

 Humming-Bird, to be worn amongst her 

 hair. Even now, the Indian women hang 

 the tiny bodies of the Humming-Birds to 

 their ears, instead of ear-rings ; and on 

 their head-dresses, instead of jewels. ) 



The Humming-Bird, though so small, 

 is very brave, and will attack a bird three 

 or four times his own size. It is no 

 pleasant thing to come in the way of his 

 long bill, for he always pecks at the eyes 

 of his assailant. 



When he is keeping watch over the 

 nest, he is particularly fierce ; and if 

 another bird happen to come near, he 

 darts out, screaming with rage ; his throat 



