INTRODUCTION. xxiii 



in the subordination and contrast with which the colours are arraiiged. These extraordinary developments 

 are nearly always confined to the male, and are, doubtless, bestowed upon these little gems as a gorgeous 

 train is given to the Peacock, beautiful markings to the Polyplectron, &c. I know of no others but the 

 two species of the genus Cephalepis in which a single feather is made to serve the purpose of ornament. 

 In all other instances the feathers are disposed in pairs, or in equal number on either side of the head or 

 body, as the case may be; but in both these species the crest terminates in a single plume, which greatly 

 adds to the elegance of the slender topping. How splendid are the spangles which deck the neck-plumes 

 of the Lophornithes ! and how well do the blue ear-tufts of the PetasophorcB harmonize with the surrounding 

 green of the neck ! The genera Omjpogon and Ramphomicron may be cited as singular instances 

 of ornamentation ; for they are both bearded and crested. Independently of these extra-developed portions 

 of the plumage, certain parts of the body are gorgeously coloured ; and here, again, some curious features 

 are observable. In very many instances the crowns are truly resplendent, as in Heliodowa ; while in 

 HeUanthea the forehead only is decorated, with a star brighter than Venus, the queen of planets. 



All the members of the genus HeUangelus are remarkable for their beautlfid gorgets, succeeded by a 

 crescent of white separating it from the green of the under-surface. Some species of the Enocnemtdes^ beside 

 their thickly clothed tarsi, have rich and luminous upper tail-coverts; while others, such as the Enocnemh 

 Alm(B^ have the under tail-coverts unsurpassingly brilliant and beautiful. The members of the genus Augastes 

 are conspicuous for the shining, metal-like masks with w^hich their faces are adorned ; while, differing from 

 all these, the Agl<Eactines have the lower part of their backs clothed in armour-like feathers, the brilliancy 

 of which must be seen to be understood, but which, strange to say, is only apparent when viewed from 

 behind ; for if looked at in the direction of the feather, none of these hues are perceptible. Many more 

 instances besides these might be mentioned; but a reference to the plates on which they are represented, 

 or, still better, the birds themselves, will give a more correct idea of these remarkable colourings than can 

 be conveyed by any description. 



Before leaving the subject of extra development, I may mention that I often find it carried to a greater 

 extent In some one species of a genus than in the others. I will give an example of what I here Intend, by 

 reference to what is observable in another family of birds, the Trogonidce. Here the extra development of 

 the upper tail-coverts which occurs in members of the genus Pharomacrus commences in the P. pawninus, 

 increases in the P, Anthsianiis^ and extends beyond the tail in P, auriceps ; but no species with upper tail- 

 coverts of intermediate length between those of the last-mentioned species and the immensely long- 

 plumes of P. />firw&^?/5 appears to exist. In like manner, among the Andean Himiming-Blrds there is a 

 tendency to a gradual increase in the length of the bill, to the extent of two or two and a half inches ; but 

 no species has yet been seen in which that organ is intermediate between that length and the extraordinarily 

 developed bill oi Dochnastes, which measures at least five inches. A similar fact is also observable with 

 respect to the spatules in the Spathurce, 



Apart from developement, I observe that in the Humming-Blrds, as In some other groups to which I have 

 paid particular attention, the species of one genus are much more numerous than those of others, and that, 

 whenever this is the case, the genus usually comprises many closely allied species. 



Among the most pleasing recollections of our youthful days is that of a birds' nest. Where is the person 



