RUFFED AND TUFTED HUMMING-BIRDS. 75 



Up above, in the topmost tier of 

 branches, where giant trees push their 

 crowns into light and air, is a vast leafy 

 region, all matted and bound together by 

 the ropes and cables of the forest. 



On this mighty plateau the monkeys 

 live in security, and run nimbly about, 

 and grin and chatter and frolic. Not even 

 the thunder and lightning of the white 

 man's gun can reach them. And the 

 squirrel bounds from bough to bough 

 with wild delight. 



Standing as we do in this magical spot, 

 surrounded with all the wonders of the 

 Tropics, a peculiar sound meets our ear. 



There comes up from the distance a 

 clear shrill whistle, like the well-known 

 signal of a railway -train. Such a thing 

 cannot be in this remote spot ; but as sure 

 as morning, noon, and evening come, it is 

 heard. 



