THE RED-TIIROATED IIUMMIXG-EIRD. 



1C9 



flowers that have the deepest tubes; and in the countries which those 

 birds inhabit, whoever sets plants of this description before his windows, 

 is sure to be visited by great numbers of them. It is very entertaining 

 to see them swarming around the flowers, and trying every tube by 

 putting in their bills. If they find that their brethren have anticipated 

 them, and robbed the flower of its honey, they will pluck it off in a 



and sometimes the tear it in 



rage, and throw it on the ground ; 



HUMMiNG-BlHD. 



The most violent passions animate at times these diminutive crea- 

 tures. They have often dreadful contests, when numbers of them 

 happen to dispute the possession of the same flower. They tilt against 

 one another with such fury, as if they meant to transfix their anta- 

 gonists with their long bills. During the fight they frequently pursue 

 the conquered birds into the apartments of houses where the windows 

 are left open; they take a turn round the room, as flies do in England; 

 and then suddenly regain the open air. They are fearless of man- 

 kind; and, in feeding, will suffer persons to come within two yards 

 of them ; but, on a nearer approach, they dart away with wonderful 

 swiftness. 



