NECTARINIA ASPASIA. 219 



into amethystine purple which forms the patch on 

 the fore part of the neck and breast ; on each side 

 of this we find the small spots of brilliant feathers 

 alluded to in the description of the last, and here of 

 a steel-blue colour. No true axillary tufts. The lower 

 parts of the breast and belly are of a purplish red 

 (maroon) ; the vent and under tail-covers greyish 

 black. The entire length scarcely four inches. Java 

 is the only authentic country given for this species ; 

 Temminck received it from thence ; our own speci- 

 mens were purchased among some birds from the 

 East Indian islands. 



Another bird, having the same character in the 

 markings with this, we find figured in the Voyage 

 du Coquille, from New Guinea, apparently of the 

 typical structure ; but, from its locality, ranging 

 on the verge of the Australian geographic separation, 

 where we find representing forms of somewhat dif- 

 ferent appearance and colouring. 



NECTARINIA ASPASIA, LESSON. 



CHEEKS, sides of the neck, mantle, wings (wings 

 in text " sont lrunes"\ lower part of the belly and 

 vent, deep velvet-black ; coronal patch emerald- 

 green, passing over the occiput to the nape; the 

 wing-covers, lower back, and upper tail-covers, 

 golden green ; tail black, feathers edged with blue ; 

 while the chin, throat, and fore part of the neck is 

 occupied with a patch of deep bluish violet. 



