18 



and solemn ; but it likewise possesses the singu- 

 lar power of assuming the tones of every other 

 animal, whether quadruped or bird. It seems 

 to divert itself with alternately alluring or terri- 

 fying other birds, and to sport with their hopes 

 or their fears. Sometimes it entices them with 

 the call of their mates, arid on their approach 

 terrifies them with the scream of the eagle, or 

 some other bird of prey. It frequents the habi- 

 tations of mankind and is easily domesticated : 

 it builds its nests in the fruit-trees near the 

 houses of the planters ; and sitting sometimes 

 most of the night on the tops of their chimneys, 

 assumes its own native melody, and pours forth 

 the sweetest and most varied strains. The 

 savages call it Cencontlatolli, or Four-hundred 

 languages. It is found in Carolina, Jamaica, 

 New Spain, &c. In Jamaica, it is very common 

 in the savannahs, where it perches on the highest 

 trees to chant its song. 



THE HUMMING BIRD. 



Of all animated beings, says Buffon, this bird 

 is the most elegant in form, and superb in co- 

 lours. The precious stones, polished by art, 



