THE PURPLE-CRESTED HUMMING-BIRD. 249 



hold " dancing-parties/' after the manner of the 

 Birds of Paradise. But, in this case, only one 

 bird performs ; and the rest look on, and clap their 

 wings by way of applause. 



This is the moment chosen by the Indian to 

 creep cautiously to the spot with his blow-pipe. 



The birds are so occupied that they do not per- 

 ceive his approach, until he has shot several of 

 them. 



