THE MANAKIN'S ATRIAL DANCE. 



119 



evidently understands tlie art of fascinating, for, 

 while lier mate is much the handsomer of the two, he 

 proves himself a most assiduous lover, and is by no 



means vain of his 

 " looks." 



On the arrival 

 of the female, then, 

 the trio — the two 

 males and the fe- 

 male — flew down 

 to a fallen branch, 



Dancing manakins. 



where they alighted, and the gallants began a lively 

 duet. I have seen many strange performances in 

 bird life, but never before one like this. I was a 

 spectator and full in sight, but they were so intent 

 upon their love-making that they regarded me not at 

 all. Sitting a little apart from her lovers, the little 

 coquette demurely held her head on one side, preened 

 her feathers occasionally, and pretended to take not 

 the slightest interest in the play that was performed 

 for her exclusive benefit. But the performers did 



