188 . THE HUMMING-BIRD. 



that a straight bill would not be able to reach the 

 honey ; so the bird that feeds upon them has his 

 bill curved upwards at the tip, that he may follow 

 the bend of the flower, and not be disappointed 

 of his feast. 



The tongue is not unlike the tongue of the 

 Woodpecker, and is darted out in the same way, 

 and for the same purpose, of entrapping insects. 



It is composed of two tubes, joined together 

 nearly the whole of their length, and ending in a 

 spoon-like point. It is very sticky, so the insects 

 when touched by it cannot escape ; and it is also 

 fringed with minute spines or bristles, that still 

 further help to secure the prey. 



The forest, with its great trees covered with 

 climbing-plants and flowers, swarms with these 

 brilliant little creatures. 



" Like fairy sprites, a thousand birds 



Glance by on golden wing ; 

 Birds lovelier than the lovely hues 

 Of the bloom wherein they sing." 



No wonder the ancient Mexicans stole the plum- 

 age of the Humming-Birds to adorn their mantles; 

 and very superb these mantles were, sparkling 



