AFRICAN SUN-BIRDS. 145 



It is one of the largest species of the Sun-Birds ; 

 and though the velvety feathers are darker than 

 usual, yet the patches of colour make it equal in 

 beauty to any of its tribe. 



I might mention, too, the Red-breasted Sun- 

 Bird, a wonderful little creature, with a collar of 

 red and yellow, and the head and neck of a 

 golden-green. And the Long-tailed Sun-Bird, 

 with a collar of blue ; and which is found in 

 Nubia, nestling among the leaves of the acacia- 

 trees. 



But the descriptions I could give you, or even 

 pictures themselves, would fail to impart any 

 adequate idea of these gems of Nature these 

 beautiful birds ! 



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