ORDER PASSERES. 189 



it was thought, for some time, in Europe, that the first 

 species was really without these members, and lived 

 altogether in the air, supported by the long feathers 

 of the sides. Some travellers, however, having pro- 

 cured perfect specimens of some species, it is now 

 known that their wings and feet indicate the station 

 to which we assign them. They are said to feed on 

 fruits, and especially to seek spices. Some have the 

 feathers of the sides silky, and of great length, form- 

 ing a fan larger than the body, which gives such a 

 resistance to the wind that these birds are often 

 carried away by it, in spite of their efforts ; and have, 

 moreover, two barbed threads adhering to the croup, 

 and running out as far, or farther, than the feathers, 

 of the flanks. 



The Great Bird of Paradise. (P. Apoda. L.) Enl. 

 254. Vaill. Ois. de Par. PI. 1. Vail. pi. 1. 



As large as a thrush ; moronne colour, with the upper 

 part of the head and neck, yellow ; round the bill 

 and throat, emerald-green ; the male of this species 

 has the long bundles of yellow feathers used by the 

 ladies in dress. There is a race rather less. 



The Red Bird of Paradise. Par. Rubra, Vail. pi. 

 6. Vieil. pi. 3. 



With the lateral plumes of a bright red, and the 

 threads wider, and concave on one side. 



In the other birds of paradise we still find threads j 



