162 THE MALACHITE SUN-BIRD. 



of the feathers being green, and the base a deep 

 black. The wings of this splendid bird are black, 

 edged with the same malachite-green, and from 

 the under part are two tufts of brilliant yellow. 



It would be scarcely possible to describe the 

 varied tints and hues and changing colours that 

 play every moment over the surface of the 

 plumage. But, after the period of rearing its 

 young has passed, the beautiful Sun-Bird changes 

 its costume. Its radiant tints vanish, and it 

 becomes of a dull green and yellow. Thus it 

 remains, divested of its charms, until the next 

 season arrives. Then the long tail-feathers 

 appear, and the plumage assumes its brilliancy. 

 It again flashes and sparkles, and delights the 

 eye with its wonderful beauty. 



The home of the Malachite Sun-Bird is in the 

 southern part of Africa, near the Cape of Good 

 Hope. 



Here, in the gardens occupied by the colonists, 

 and in pleasant fertile spots, grow the flowers in 

 which the Sun-Birds delight. 



All kinds of acacia-trees bloom in full beauty. 



