THE SEARCHERS. 9 



feet are blackish grey. This species is six inches and a half long, the wing measures two inches and 

 two-thirds, and the tail one inch and three-quarters. 



These birds frequent banana plantations, and usually betray their presence by their shrill 

 chirpino- cry. Were it not for the constant repetition of their note they would rarely be observed, 

 as the hues of their plumage render it almost impossible to detect them among the foliage. We leam 

 from Bernstein that their manner of building is very remarkable. The oval-shaped nest, some six or 

 seven inches long, and three or four inches broad, is attached by threads to a large leaf, in such a 

 manner that the latter forms the fourth side. Fine grass and fibres are employed for the interior, and 

 half-decayed leaves, of which little more than the fibrous portion remains, are used for the outer wall, 



THE HANGING BIRD {Araclinoccstra longirosiris). 



so that, when completed, the curious structure has rather the appearance of a substantial spider's web 

 than of a bird's nest. The entrance is at one end. The eggs, two in number, are pure white, spotted 

 with reddish brown at the broad extremity. 



The HONEY-EATERS {Meliphagd) have a long, slender, slightly-curved beak, the upper 

 mandible of which extends considerably beyond the lower portion. The feet are strong but moderate- 

 sized, and furnished with powerful hinder toes ; the wing, also moderate, is rounded, its fourth quill 

 being the longest; the tail varies in its dimensions, but is usually rounded at its extremity; the 

 nostrils are concealed by a cartilaginous skin ; the gape is narrow, and the tongue provided with a 

 tuft of delicate fibrous bristles at its tip. The stomach is very small, and but slightly muscular. The 

 plumage, which differs little in the two sexes, varies considerably in different species. In some it 

 is thick, variegated, and much developed in the region of the ear, in others smooth, compact, and 

 of almost uniform colour. 

 VOL. III. — Si 



