BIRDS AND THEIR PARLOURS 163 



and there into the water with their feet and breasts, 

 and repeating the act until their plumage is thor- 

 oughly cleansed. When they have completed their 

 dainty toilettes, these beautiful little winged-elves 

 go forth upon their daily duties amid the flowers. 

 And at the end of the day they often gather again 

 to refresh themselves with another dainty dip be- 

 fore seeking their homes for rest. 



The famous saber-winged humming-bird is one 

 of the most beautiful of bird beings. With its 

 brilliant green and violet-blue hues, and tail of black 

 and white, it is more like some brilliant oriental 

 jewel than a bird. This little fellow bathes in the 

 dew that collects upon the leaves of trees. Certain 

 trees that hold the moisture in their foliage become 

 dainty bathing resorts, and in the early morning 

 hours they are often fiUed to capacity. 



To enter into the habits and different charac- 

 teristics of these marvellous creatures would require 

 a book in itself. It is enough to know that their 

 idea of cleanliness and beauty is unsurpassed. 

 When flying through the sunlight they sparkle as 

 if they were covered with brilliant jewels and gems 

 of gold. The American Indians with their charac- 

 teristic rugged poetry of thought, called them "the 

 hairs of the sun." 



The topaz-throated humming-bird is among the 



