LETTEKXLVIM, 



bined with cotton and moss, and in shape and size rr> 

 semble half a hen's egg. Tke eggs of the humming- 

 bird are of a clear white, wkh a few yellow specks, 

 arid of the size of a small pea. The male and the fe- 

 male alternately*, perform the office of incubation. 

 The voting when first hatched are entirely naked, but 

 in a tew days a fine down appears, which is gradually- 

 converted into that beautiful clothing which renders 

 this bird an object of admiration. 



The humming bird was formerly in high esteerm 

 among the Indians, for the ornament which its plum- 

 age added to their dress. The mode of taking these 

 birds is chiefly by bird-lime daubed in the places 

 where they haunt; and they are now caught chiefly 

 for the purpose of selling them to Europeans as curio- 

 sities. 



Having now, my dear Sir, exhibited tx> your view 

 a selection of the most curious objects that are found 

 among this smaller race of volatiles, of which the dis- 

 tinctions are too numerous for the examination of the 

 most accurate and indefatigable ornithologist. I am 

 certain that in contemplating the musical powers of 

 the nightingale, the lark, and the thrush, and the 

 beautiful plumage of the goldfinch, the bulfinch, and 

 the humming bird, besides the wonders displayed in 

 an endless variety of others; you will feel your mind 

 deeply impressed with a sense of the diversifying 

 energy of nature, communicated to it by its Divine 

 Author. Permit me therefore to conclude, by ex- 

 pressing the esteem with which 



I am, dear Sir, 



Your's, &. 



