206 



HUMMING-BIRDS. 





9 



As they fly, the ruby feathers of their 



throats may be seen changing, according 



to the light, now into a greenish gold 



colour, now into a deep brown, again to 



^ flash forth with the brilliancy of precious gems. 



Often they may be observed flying round the deep, 



cup-shaped calix of the scarlet trumpet -flower, 



which with its rich foliao:e clino-s in clusters 



lound the gnarled stem of some withered oak, 



clothing it with a verdure not its own. Into 



these deep and capacious tubes the ruby-throat, 



with its long bill, probes, and draws forth either 



the sweets it produces, or picks up the multitude 



of flies entangled in the nectar. 



Although the ruhy-throat ventures thus far 

 north, it is very susceptible of cold, and returns 

 southward immediately the summer green of the 

 forest gives place to the golden tints of autumn. 

 Brave and high-spirited as is the little bird, it is 

 easily tamed ; and Mr. ^Yebber, the naturalist, after many at- 

 tempts, succeeded in securing several of the species. The first 





