1 1 2 HUMMING-BIRDS. 



of the feathered race. In one species* it presents a 

 very curious anomaly among birds, by being composed 

 of only six feathers. This species is rare, and I have 

 had no opportunity for an examination ; but the testi- 

 monies of Temminck and Lesson show that it is not 

 an accidental variation, but that it remains constant 

 in all the birds which they have examined. 



The bill is always an important organ in birds. 

 This family presents great modification of form, which 

 will be seen by inspecting the plates, and will be far- 

 ther illustrated when we characterise the divisions. 

 But although most of the species are partly insecti- 

 vorous, and take a great portion of their food in the 

 air, we find no rictorial bristles or great develop- 

 ment at the base, as among the truly insectivorous 

 tribes ; and except in one or two instances, no very 

 evident appropriation of structure. In a few species 

 the edges of the mandibles are toothed, (see Plates 

 I. II. and III.,) and in the individuals which form the 

 genus Ramphodon of Lesson, this member is furnished 



with recurved saw-like teeth, a manifest provision for 

 more effectually securing some peculiar prey. 



The tongue and its accessory parts show a greater 



* See Plate XXVII. 



