MAY. 165 



and would come a dozen times a day, or more, to be fed. 

 After fluttering a few seconds at the door or window to at- 

 tract notice, it would alight on a neighbouring tree' or rose- 

 bush, until its food was prepared for it ; and then upon 

 calling " peet, peet," it would dart in a straight line with 

 the velocity of an arrow to receive it. We generally filled 

 two or three tubes of the honeysuckle with syrup, which 

 it extracted while on the wing, buzzing around the flower 

 held in our hand, and inserting its bill, which was about 

 three fourths of an inch in length, from which it protruded 

 its tongue, at least half an inch longer, with which it sucked 

 up the liquid. This generally sufficed it, but sometimes it 

 did not appear satisfied, but would repair to its resting-place, 

 and wait until the flowers were again filled, when upon being 

 called it would return and finish its repast. But if after 

 flying to its perch it wiped its bill upon the limb, we were 

 then assured it wanted no more at that time ; all the soli- 

 citations we could make would have no other effect than to 

 hasten its departure. In the course of half an hour, it would 

 be back again after more food, and if the member of the 

 family to whom he applied was engaged, and not ready to 

 attend to him, he would try over and over again to excite 

 attention, by flying into different apartments of the house, 

 and buzzing within a few inches. Peet's solicitations gene- 

 rally succeeded, as the younger branches of the family were 

 delighted with attending to him. He appeared to be more 

 fond of syrup when made thick, than any other food which was 

 offered him. If it was too much diluted, he would fly to his 

 resting-place, and wait until it was altered. We also at 

 times gave sugar and cream, wine and water mixed with sugar, 

 and once some honey obtained from a humble bee's nest, 

 which he appeared to treat with great contempt. Sometimes 

 when he was fluttering around the flower held outside of the 

 doorway, a stranger of the same species, having less confi- 



