84 THE PURPLE-CRESTED HUMMING-BIRD. 



In the most secluded part of the forest, 

 a bird lives that is so rare that he is 

 scarcely ever seen. 



He is called the '' Cock of the Kock," 

 and wears a very beautiful costume of 

 orange, and has on his head a great comb 

 or crest that gives him his name. These 

 birds are said by the Indians to hold 

 " dancing-parties," after the manner of the 

 Birds of Paradise ; but in this case only 

 one bird performs, and the rest look on 

 and clap their wings by way of applause. 



This is the moment chosen by the 

 Indian to creep cautiously to the spot with 

 his blow-pipe. 



The birds are so occupied that they do 

 not perceive his approach, until he has shot 

 several of them. 



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