C8 BIRD OF PADISE. 



VIRIDIS ; Bine-green Bird of Paradise. Sea-green ; 

 back, belly, rump, and tail, steel-blue. It is sixteen inches 

 long. 



ALBA; White Bird. This is entirely white, and the 

 rarest of all the species. It is found in the Papuan 

 islands. A variety of it is black on the fore-part, and 

 white on the hind-part. 



The above comprise the different species of the Bird of 

 Paradise, and is probably the best classification to be ob- 

 tained. It belongs to the order PICA, and its generic cha- 

 racteristics are, the belt of downy feathers at the base of 

 the bill, the long feathers at its sides, the two naked tail- 

 feathers, and the size and strength of its feet. The colors 

 of its plumage are very brilliant, and of every varied hue ; 

 and the many peculiarities which add to its splendor, and 

 give it a marked distinction from ever}' other tribe of birds, 

 have rendered it one of the chief ornaments of the Eastern 

 tropics. It finds its appropriate place in that tissue of 

 sparkling beauty which hangs like an enchanted veil over 

 the rniasma and desolation of its native clime. 



