HUMMING-BIRDS. 103 



* But what large wings it has !' Such, indeed, is the 

 case, and in most instances the size of the wings and 

 strength of their quills are entirely out of .proportion 

 to our ideas of symmetry in a creature clothed with 

 feathers ; but, upon comparing them with its necessi- 

 ties, and the other parts of its frame, their utility and 

 design become obvious, All their other parts, not 

 called into action during flight, are very slender, 

 almost frail ; their tarsi are short, and the feet small, 

 so as not to incommode during flight, while they point 

 out an inability for any long support, or assistance in 

 procuring sustenance, by climbing or hanging in various 

 positions, as we see employed by the titmice, and 

 many of the slender-billed warblers. Their food is 

 derived from the sweet nectar of flowers, or from 

 insects which must either be taken in a rapid flight, 

 or withdrawn from the deep tube, or cup-shaped re- 

 cesses of blossoms which grow and hang in every 

 direction, and which it would be impossible to reach, 

 unless by suspension above or under. Another great 

 necessity for their possessing organs of such power, is 

 to enable' them to pass in safety through the migra- 

 tions, and the long flights which are sometimes neces- 

 sary for their preservation, and during which they 

 have often to withstand a passing gale, showers, or 

 even the rigour of a snow-storm. The beautiful 

 climes where we have seen they inhabit, are at 

 seasons subject to perpetual rains, which drench and 

 almost inundate their abodes, or to hurricanes, that in 

 a few minutes leave only a wreck of all that was 



