THE HONEY CREEPERS 



1547 



and yards. A large moringa tree, that is profusely set all the year through with 

 fragrant spikes of bloom, is a favorite resort of both these and the humming birds. 

 One within a few feet of my window is, while I write this note, being actively scru- 

 tinized by two active little creatures, that pursue their examination with a zeal per- 

 fectly undisturbed by my looking on, while the same blossoms are rifled on one side by 

 a minute humming bird, and on the other by that gorgeous butterfly, Urania sloan- 

 eus an interesting association. The quit often utters a soft, sibilant note as it 

 peeps about. The nest of this bird is very frequently, perhaps usually, built in those 



WEST-INDIAN HONEY CREEPER OR BANANA QUIT. 



(Four-fifths natural size.) 



low trees and bushes from whose twigs depend the paper nests of the brown wasps, 

 and in close contiguity with them. The grass quits are said to manifest the same 

 predilection; it is a singular exercise of instinct, almost of reason, for the object is 

 doubtless the defense afforded by the presence of the formidable insects, but upon 

 what terms the league of amity is contracted between the neighbors I am ignorant. 

 It is in the months of May, June, and July that the creeper performs the business 

 of incubation. On the fourth of May I observed a banana quit with a bit of silk 



