THE MARVELLOUS HUMMING-BIRD. 63 



This curious region, Avhich presents such 

 different aspects, lies on the sea-coast, be- 

 tween the great mountains of the Cordil- 

 leras and the Pacific Ocean. 



Bain seldom falls here, and the green 

 spots are caused by some rill or stream 

 that descends from the mountains. The 

 inhabitants prize every drop of the pre- 

 cious stream, and use it to water their 

 fields and gardens. At the line where the 

 artificial system of irrigation ends, the de- 

 sert again begins. 



On these spots, thus won from the sand, 

 all the rich verdure of the Tropics is seen. 

 Here is cotton, and sugar, and maize, and 

 the products of a burning clime. And 

 here are beautiful birds of every shade and 

 hue. Here is the Parrot, and the Pigeon, 

 and the Crowned Fly-catcher, dressed in a 

 costume of fiery red. 



In this strange land, mist supplies the 



