THE HUMMING BIRD. 259 



Description by a celebrated author. 



" The smallest humming bird is about the size 

 of an hazel nut. The feathers on its wings and 

 tail are black ; but those on its body, and under 

 its wings, are of a greenish brown, with a fine 

 red cast or gloss^ which no silk or velvet can imi- 

 tate. It has a small crest on its head, green at 

 the bottom, and, as it were, gilded at the top, 

 and which sparkles in the sun like a little star in 

 the middle of its forehead. The bill is black, 

 straight, slender, and of the length of a small pin. 

 The larger humming bird is near half as big as 

 the common wren, and without a crest on its 

 head; but to make amends, it is covered, from 

 the throat half way down the belly, with change- 

 able crimson-coloured feathers, that, in different 

 light, change to a variety of beautiful colours, 

 much like an opal. The heads of both are small, 

 with very little round eyes, as black as jet. 



" It is inconceivable how much these add to 

 the high finishing and beauty of a rich luxurious 

 western landscape. As soon as the sun is risen, 

 the humming birds, of different kinds, are seen, 

 fluttering about the flowers, without ever lighting 

 upon them. Their wings are in such rapid mo- 

 tion, that it is impossible to discern their colours, 

 except by their glittering. They are never still, 

 but continually in motion, visiting flower after 

 flower, and extracting its honey as if with a kiss. 

 For this purpose they are furnished with a forky 

 tongue, that enters the cup of the flower and ex- 

 tracts its Declared tribute. Upon this alone they 

 2 K 2 



