112 ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY. 



and then a sharp chirp, like that of a large beetle, among 

 the earliest flowers in the garden. We look in the direction 

 of the sound, and perceive our little stranger darting about, 



and thrusting his bill and little head into the flowers, 

 busily searching for the small insects that inhabit them,' 

 and which constitute the principal part of his food. While 

 we are looking at him, he suddenly alights on a twig, 

 turns his gorgeous throat towards us, and scans us with 

 his bright little black eyes. While he is perched, he busies 

 himself in arranging his plumage, and cleaning from his 

 feathers the drops of dew that have perhaps fallen upon 

 him, uttering occasionally his merry chirp; presently his 

 mate appears, and alights by his side. The little lovers (for 

 they are still such) then indulge in mutual caresses, and 

 apparently talk over with much earnestness their plans for 

 future housekeeping. Woe to another humming-bird, if he 

 comes in sight! for our little friend is not only jealous 

 of his mate, but is very quarrelsome also, and protects his 

 honor with great courage. As he darts off like a bullet at 

 the intruder, his mate watches with no little interest for the 

 results of the battle that is inevitable. The two males meet 

 in the air, and fierce is the contest ; their little wings beat 

 the air with such force that their humming is heard at the 



