10 INTRODUCTORY. 



curved upwards at the tip, that he may 

 follow the bend of the flower, and not be 

 disappointed of his feast. 



The tongue is not unlike the tongue of 

 the Woodpecker, and is darted out in the 

 same way, and for the same purpose — of 

 entrapping insects. 



It is composed of two tubes, joined 

 together nearly the whole of their length, 

 and ending in a spoon-like point. It is 

 very sticky, so the insects when touched 

 by it cannot escape ; and it is also fringed 

 with minute spines or bristles, that still 

 further help to secure the prey. 



The forest, with its great trees covered 

 with climbing-plants and flowers, swarms 

 with these brilliant little creatures. 



" Like fairy sprites, a thousand birds 

 Glance by on golden vnng ; 

 Birds lovelier than the lovely hues 

 Of the bloom wherein they sing. " 



No wonder the ancient Mexicans stole the 



