THE SUN BIRDS. 93 



sun birds, of which the rich and dazzling hues 

 seen gleaming in the light, have earned for them 

 the graceful and appropriate appellation of 

 " atoms of the rainbow." 



" Ethereal, gay, and sprightly in their motions, 

 flitting briskly from flower to flower, they assume 

 a thousand lovely and agreeable attitudes. As 

 the sunbeams glitter on their bodies, they sparkle 

 like so many precious stones, and exhibit as 

 they turn a variety of bright and iridescent 

 hues. Some are emerald-green, some vivid vio- 

 let, and others yellow with crimson wing."* 

 But it is to the gorgeous vegetation of the east 

 that these matchlessly attired songsters lend their 

 brilliance, where, lingering midst the rich blos- 

 soms, they gleam, outrivalling the flowers dyed 

 in crimson, violet, or gold. 



* Adams in Belcher, Voyage XL 



