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are constructed of the softest fibres only, which are reflected over the lower portion of the entrance, so as 

 to fasten down its rim, imparting thus a neatness of finish to this part of the structure ; above the floor 

 of the entrance is an overhanging roof or canopy, formed by the lining of the upper third or more of the 

 nest being made to project semicircularly over the orifice, and then finished externally, like the rest, with 

 coarser material, and some bits of leaves and the like, to disguise the nature of the fabric." 



Capt. Tytler says, " The little Sun-bird," as the charming Nectarinia zeylo?iica is called, is very common, 

 and forms a beautiful addition to the fauna of Barrackpoore. Early in the morning are these busy little 

 creatures seen sucking the nectar from flowers. I had several of their nests ; they are elegantly constructed, 

 and are suspended to the branch of a creeper or other bush ; I found a very pretty one suspended to some 

 creepers inside a bower over my bedroom-window. The eggs vary in size and colour as well as in number." 



Mr. Layard states that it is very abundant in the southern part of Ceylon, and very pugnacious. 



As will be seen by the accompanying Plate, the sexes differ greatly in colour, the female being devoid of 

 the brilliant hue which renders the male so beautiful and conspicuous. 



The male has the crown of the head and shoulders deep glossy metallic bronzy purple ; throat equally 

 rich deep steel-blue ; lower part of the back and upper tail-coverts fine metallic blue ; sides of the neck, 

 a band across the lower part of the throat, back of the neck, back, and wing-coverts very deep maroon-red ; 

 wings very dark brown, with light cinnamon-brown margins ; tail black ; under wing-coverts white ; 

 abdomen sulphur-yellow, fading nearly into white on the under tail-coverts ; bill and legs black. 



The female has the upper surface and wings olive, tinged with rufous ; throat and flanks grey ; abdomen, 

 vent, and under tail-coverts pale sulphur-yellow. 



The Plate represents two males and a female, of the natural size. The name of the beautiful orchid is 

 Dendrobium pulchellum. 





