THE HUMMING-BIRD. 189 



with many-coloured tints. And the Mexican youth 

 thought he could make no more costly present to 

 his bride than the gorgeous crest of the Hum- 

 ming-Bird, to be worn amongst her hair. Even 

 now, the Indian women hang the tiny bodies of 

 the Humming-Birds to their ears, instead of ear- 

 rings; and on their head-dresses, instead of jewels. 



The Humming-Bird, though so small, is very 

 brave, and will attack a bird three or four times 

 his own size. It is no pleasant thing to come in 

 the way of his long bill, for he always pecks at 

 the eyes of his assailant. 



When he is keeping watch over the nest he is 

 particularly fierce, and if another bird happen to 

 come near, he darts out, screaming with rage ; his 

 throat swells, and his wings expand to their fullest 

 extent, and he looks like a little fury. He gives 

 battle to the intruder, and the two birds fight 

 desperately, until one of them falls to the ground 

 exhausted, and so ends the conflict. 



I am afraid the Humming-Bird is a very pas- 

 sionate little fellow. He will even go into a rage 

 with a flower that does not please him, or has not 



