THE HILL-STAB HUMMING-BIRD. 203 



realize the fact. They are a gay, light-hearted 

 race, fond of pleasure, and of revelling in all the 

 delights of their beautiful country. For here, as 

 if to atone for other drawbacks, the fruits of the 

 earth ripen with wonderful rapidity. Sowing and 

 reaping are carried on at once. 



There is a mighty peak of the Andes, said by 

 some to be the highest peak in the world. It is 

 not a volcano, but its sides are thickly covered 

 with snow, and though in the midst of the Tropics, 

 the temperature in the neighbourhood is intensely 

 cold. 



Yet I have brought you here to behold the 

 spot where a Humming-Bird chooses to dwell ! 



You see him in the Picture. He has his name 

 from the mountain, and is called the Chimborazian 

 Hill-Star. 



A star of beauty indeed he is ! His costume 

 is magnificent. The head and throat are violet, 

 and there is a ring of shining green round the 

 neck. The white of the under part of his body 

 contrasts with the brilliant colours that adorn 

 him. His bill is black as jet. 



