HUMMING-^IRD. 58<J 



ferent birds. What appears certain of the present species is, that 

 it is often taught to fight by the natives of Bengal ; one being held 

 up opposite to another, on the hand of a man to whose finger the 

 bird is fastened by a string, sufficiently long to enable it to fly and 

 peck at its adversary. It is said to be of a remarkably docile dis- 

 position, and is sometimes carried by the young Indians, in order 

 to execute little commissions of gallantry ; and at a signal given by 

 the lover, will seize and carry off, with much dexterity, the small 

 gold ornament usually worn on the head of a young Indian lady, 

 and convey it to hisjnaster. It will, also, with admirable celerity, 

 follow the descent of a ring purposely thrown down a deep well ; 

 catching it in its fall, and returning it to its owner. The Persian 

 poets represent the bulbul as enamoured of the rose, and grieved, 

 or angry at seeing it rudely cropped. Whatever may be said by 

 poets, and unscientific observers, Mr. Pennant has not scrupled to 

 declare his opinion, that the natural note of this bird is harsh and 

 unmelodious. If this be the case, the music of the bulbul may be 

 considered as nearly allied to the celebrated song of the swan, so 

 often recorded in the flights of poetic fiction. 



[Shaw. 



SECTION III. 



Humming-bird, 

 Trochilus. Linn. 



In forming this minute animal, nature appears to have been 

 hesitating whether she would fabricate a bird or an insect. They 

 are the least of the feathered tribe ; they feed, like insects on the 

 nectar of flowers, particularly those with long tubes, which they 

 extract, like bees, while on the wing, fluttering about the place, 

 and making a humming noise : the legs and bill are very weak ; 

 the tail feathers are ten. 



Of all animated beings, the humming-bird is perhaps the most 

 elegant in form, and brilliant in its colours. Activity, rapidity, 

 and richness of drapery, sometimes sparingly bestowed by nature 

 on the other tenants of the air, she has heaped upon the humming, 

 bird without measure. The emerald, ruby, and topaz sparkle on 

 its apparel, which is never soiled by the dust, for in its aerial 

 life it scarcely ever descends so low as to touch the grass. It flies 



