404 



THE BIRDS OF PARADISE. [ch. xxxvjii. 



throat are of a rich metallic bronze. From the middle of 

 the tail spring two narrow feathers of a rich steel blue, 

 and about ten inches long. These are webbed on the 

 inner side only, and curve outward, so as to form a doiible 

 circle. 



From what we know of the habits of allied species, we 

 may be sure that the greatly developed plumage of this 



THE MAGNIFICENT BIRD (IF PARADISE. (Diphljllorles SJlCCiosa. ) 



bird is erected and displayed in some remarkable manner. 

 The mass of feathers on the under surface are probably 

 expanded into a hemisphere, while the beautiful yellow 

 mantle is no doubt elevated so as to give the bird a 

 very different appearance from that which it presents 



