THE HUMMING-BIRD. 187 



are almost like a thin plate of whalebone. No air 

 can pass through them, and this is why they make 

 a humming sound, as the bird vibrates his wings. 



The Humming-Bird needs these strong wings 

 to support himself in the air, as his feet are too 

 weak and delicate to perch for any length of time. 



And he depends very much upon his wings for 

 safety. 



There will come the season of rain and storm, 

 and his little nest will be beaten down, and his 

 home among the trees and flowers be made a 

 wreck. Before this 'happens, he must fly many 

 long miles to get from beneath the clouds. He 

 looks too fairy-like to undertake such a journey ; 

 but his wings are powerful enough to bear him 

 out of reach of danger. They will transport him 

 to other lands, where the storm has passed, and 

 the trees and flowers are blooming as gaily as 

 ever. 



The long bill of the Humming-Bird has been 

 given him that he may search to the bottom of 

 the large tubular flowers, and rifle their sweet 

 juices. But some of these flowers are so bent 



