364 TU\<: TROPICAL WORLD. 



beautiful and graceful tufts are equally valued by the princes 

 of the East and the ladies of England. The chocolate-coloured 

 tail is short, but two very long shafts of the same hue con- 

 siderably exceed in length even the 

 long, loose plumes of the sides. 



Unable to fly with the wind, which 

 would destroy their loose plumage, the 

 Birds of Paradise take their flight con- 

 stantly against it, being careful not to 

 venture out in hard blowing weather. 

 The Papuas climb, during the night, 

 upon the high forest trees, where they 

 have observed the birds to roost, and 

 patiently await the dawn to catch them 

 BIRD OF PAUADTSK. jn Hooses, Or to shoot them with blunted 



arrows. The Portuguese first found these birds on the island 

 of Grilolo, and as the Papuas tear off their legs before bringing 

 them to market, it was for a long time supposed that they were 

 destitute of these organs. The most absurd fables were 

 founded on this imaginary deficiency : it was said that they 

 passed their whole life sailing in the air, dew being their only 

 food ; that they never took rest, except by suspending them- 

 selves from the branches of trees by the shafts of their two 

 elongated tail feathers ; that they never touched the earth till 

 the moment of their death ; and the Malays still believe that 

 they retire for breeding to the groves of Paradise. It is almost 

 superfluous to add that the researches of modem travellers have 

 fully proved the utter fallacy of these ridiculous tales. 



The wondrous pendulous nests of the American Cassiques and 

 Baltimores are equalled, if not surpassed, by those of t'ne 

 African Weaving Birds. These tiny architects generally 

 suspend their structures to the ends of slender twigs, small 

 branches, leaves or reeds, where they dangle freely in the air, 

 and dance about merrily at every breeze. For greater security, 

 many species always hang their nests over water, at no great 

 distance above the surface, so that, however small the animal, 

 monkey, or snake may be that would attempt to rob the bird of 

 its young brood, its weight is more than suflicient to cause its 

 immersion in the water, and thus put a stop to its burglarious 

 intentions. As a farther annoyance, the baffled invader may 



