12 The Humming Bird. 



* 



an altitude of about 1,000 feet ; but it is probable that it is 

 also found in warm climates. 



It frequents the densest forests, and is a very wild bird. 

 Hence the difficulties of getting specimens. In nuptial season, 

 February — April, they pair and are seen occasionally in the 

 glades of the forest. It is the best time to get at them. It 

 lays only two eggs, pure white, larger than a hen's egg and 

 longer in shape. Some of these, hatched by a hen, were fifty 

 days to come out. 



The young are quite familiar and can be easily domesticated. 

 I have been told that even adults caught in traps are some- 

 times domesticated. What a splendid game it would be if it 

 was imported to Europe ! 



Its cry resembles somewhat that of the Peacock, but is 

 more harmonious. When on the soil, it is with the greatest 

 difficulty that the male can take its flight, in consequence of its 

 long tail. The wild natives of the interior of Tonkin, well 

 aware of that fact, catch them by running after. It gets tired 

 quickly enough, and is easily secured. Females are much 

 more difficult to obtain, as they can take their flight easily. 

 They live on Insects, Reptiles, and probably Seeds and Fruits. 

 In the oesophagus of one of the birds sent to Europe frogs and 

 toads have been found. 



The wild natives hunt them a great deal when they are in full 

 plumage, and put a great value on the long tail-feathers, which 

 are used as a head-dress ornament by their chiefs. I don't 

 know if they eat the flesh, but it is probable, as it must be 

 delicious. According to Captain Rheinard, it is with the 

 greatest difficulty that he could procure the specimens he sent 

 to Europe. 



All the above informations were given by those who pro- 

 cured the specimens for him. In my opinion, it is very likely 

 that this bird is the fabular Phœnix, a bird well known to the 

 Chinese from the remotest time. My authority for saying so 

 is that I have seen many drawings on pieces of furniture, on 

 table carpets and other clothes, and on earthenware from 

 China and Japan, which agree entirely with the general faciès 

 of this bird. In that case its proper name should be 

 Rheinardius phœnix !! 



Science is greatly indebted to Captain Rheinard for the dis- 

 covery of this magnificent bird. 



