276 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1890. 



from whence the singular and unexpected attack proceeded; but nothing was to be 

 seen. Almost thinking he must have been mistaken, he continued his survey, when 

 a much sharper and louder tat-tat-tat-tat-tat seemed to demand his immediate atten- 

 tion, and a little to jeopardize the perfect integrity and preservation of the fabric in 

 question. Again he looked round, far from pleased at such extraordinary imperti- 

 nence, when what should he see but the beautiful, delicate Humming Bird, with 

 ruffled feathers and fiery eyes, who seemed by no means inclined to let him off with- 

 out a further infliction of sharp taps and admonitory raps from her fairy beak. She 

 looked like a little fury in miniature— a winged Xantippe. Those pointed attentions 

 apprised him that his company was not desired or acceptable; and, much amused at 

 the excessive bolduess of the dauntless little owner of the exquisite nest he had 



been contemplating, Sir C moved off, anxious not to disturb or irritate further 



this valiant minute mother, who displayed such intrepidity and cool determination. 



As to V and me, the darling little pet did not mind us in the least ; she allowed 



us to watch her to our heart r s content during the uninterrupted progress of all her 

 little housohold and domestic arrangements, and rather appeared to like our society 

 than not, and to have the air of saying, "Do you think I manage it well, eh?" 



The following account* of the taming of wild Humming Birds also 

 shows how easily, with a little pains, these lovely creatures can be 

 tamed : 



A lady residing at San Rafael, one of the many pleasant health resorts of Cali- 

 fornia, has sent to friends in London an account of the taming of two wild Humming 

 Birds by her daughter, who. under medical direction, has for some months passed 

 several hours daily reclining on rugs spread on the garden lawn. " E. has a new 

 source of interest," her mother writes. "The humming birds have claimed her com- 

 panionship and manifested their curiosity by inspecting her, with their little wise 

 heads turned to one side, at a safe distance, watching her movements, evidently 

 wishing to become acquainted. To entice them to a nearer approach, E. plucked a' 

 fuchsia, attached it to a branch of a tree over her head, and filled it with sweetened 

 water. The intelligent little creatures soon had their slender bills thrust into the 

 flower, from which they took long draughts. Then E. took honey, thinking they 

 might prefer it, and filled a fresh flower each day. They would sometimes become 

 so impatient as scarcely to wait for her to leave before they were into the sweets, 

 and, finally, while she held a flower in one hand and filled it with drops from a spoon, 

 the now tame little pets would catch the drops as they fell, and dart into the honey 

 cup their silvery, thread-like tongues. E. is delighted, and so fascinated with them 

 that she passes hours each day of her resting time talking to them and watching 

 their quick, lively movements. Although these tiny birds are humming all day 

 among the flowers, two only have monopolized the honey-filled flower, and these are 

 both males, consequently there are constant squabbles as to which shall take pos- 

 session. They will not permit a wasp or a bee to come near their honey flower, and 

 not only drive them away, but chase them some distance, uttering a shrill note of 

 protest against all intruders." Referring to them again, at the close of the rainless 

 California summer, in a letter dated October 26, this lady writes: "We have had 

 threatening clouds for two days and a heavy rainfall to-day. E. has continued her 

 devotion to her little Humming Birds. Since the change of weather she has tried to 

 coax them to the parlor windows. They appeared to think there must be some mis- 

 take, and would hum about the window where she stood with the honey flower and 

 spoonful of honey, or they would sit on a branch and watch every movement, yet 

 not daring to take a sip until to-day, when at her peculiar call, which they always 

 recognize, one ventured repeatedly to take the honey from her hand. 



Though so readily accustomed to the society of human beings, Hum- 

 ming Birds do not, unfortunately, long survive confinement. Whether 



* Taken from the " Scientific American." 



