while the bird is flying, the outer tail-feathers cross each other in the manner represented in the upper figures, 

 which are an exact representation of the mounted specimen in the Loddigesian collection. Mr. Loddiges came 

 to this conclusion in consequence of finding that they naturally fell into this position upon the skin being 

 thoroughly damped for the purpose of mounting. These feathers cross each other twice, first near the 

 base, and secondly towards the middle ; consequently each spatule, as represented in the drawing, belongs 

 to the feather of that side. How very remarkable is this arrangement, and how different from what is 

 found to occur in any other known species ! 



It would be very interesting to see this bird on the wing ; for I have no doubt that its greatly developed 

 spatules serve in some way to sustain it in the air ; and if so, this may account for the very diminutive 

 size of its wings. It is just possible that, when the tail is fully spread, the spatules may be projected in 

 front of the line of the head. Ornithologists will remember that several of the Caprimulgidcs possess enormously 

 developed plumes— some in their wings, others in the tail. Can this, then, be a nocturnal bird— a repre- 

 sentative of the Goatsuckers among the Humming-Birds? Such an idea has more than once recurred to 

 me ; and if so, its rarity would be readily accounted for. 



Anxious to obtain examples of this singular bird for my own collection, I have repeatedly offered large 

 sums to various persons for their procuration, but hitherto, I regret to say, without success. The specimen 

 in the Loddigesian collection, which is beautifully mounted, and in the finest state of preservation, there- 

 fore remains unique; I need scarcely add that the female is unknown. 



Crown of the head brilliant blue ; neck, scapularies, back, wing- and tail-coverts golden green ; on the 

 throat a gorget of very brilliant green, tinged with blue in the centre, and bounded on each side by a 

 narrow band of coppery red; sides of the breast and flanks dull white; the greatly prolonged shaft of the 

 outer feather on each side and the large spatule at its tip violaceous black ; centre tail-feathers shining 

 glaucous green, passing into brown at their tips ; bill and feet black. 



The figures are of the natural size. The plant is the /Echmea mucroniflora. 



