146 Field and Forest Rambles. 



I witnessed two almost collide ; when at first the bee, seem- 

 ingly unaware who his antagonist might be, was on the 

 point of making off, but hesitated for a moment, when all 

 at once, as if each had discovered its mistake, they shot 

 away in opposite directions. 



The geographical distribution and affinities of the ruby- 

 throated humming-bird are interesting, extending as it does 

 from Brazil to the confines of the Arctic region, along the 

 eastern portion of the continent, whilst its very close ally 

 (T. Alexandri) occupies the western half: indeed, so closely 

 related are the two birds as regards colouring, that it may be 

 doubtful whether they should be separated. The former is seen 

 in the most secluded forest tracts early in May, and suddenly 

 vanishes by the end of September, thus lagging longer than the 

 swallows and hardier birds. I never found its nest, although I 

 have frequently watched a pair for hours. It builds in gardens 

 and orchards, affecting the same fruit-tree for years, but whether 

 the same birds return to the haunt of the previous year does 

 not appear. However, it undoubtedly has its favourite locali- 

 ties, which are never without individuals, whilst apparently 

 more tempting retreats are passed over, — thus leading to the 

 belief that either the same birds come annually to the spot, or 

 that the locality has some peculiar attractions not observable 

 by us. I do not know that the male and female sit alternately 

 on the eggs ; but whether or no, as their upper parts are much of 

 the same dull shade of colouring, they would be inconspicuous 

 when on the nest. An observer says: "The nest is usually 

 placed on the horizontal branch of an apple tree, and covered 

 with moss so as to resemble the place where a limb has been 

 taken off, and a circle of bark has risen round the spot. As 

 the female is green, birds of prey might easily pass over it 

 without discovering the nest below." * 



Every one familiar with the climate of Canada, and the 

 haunts of humming-birds, will think in vain why and where- 

 * Peabody, Zool. of Mass., Boston, 1838, p. 341. 



