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HUMMING-BIRDS. 



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 foliage clings in clusters 

 round 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 ruby-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. Webber, the naturalist, after many at- 

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



