SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO, 



7 



apparently motionless, for hours together. 

 In each cage was placed a small earthen cup, 

 about half filled with sugar and water of the 

 consistence of a thin syrup: in this various 

 flowers had been inserted, principally the 

 yellow bell-shaped corolla of the great aloe 

 (Agava Americana) ; the end of which next 

 the stem being cut off permitted the liquid to 

 flow into the flower, into which the little 

 prisoners were constantly inserting their long 

 bifed tongues, and drawing up its luscious 

 contents. This operation was generally, like 

 most of the actions ot the bird, performed on 

 the wing, but they sometimes alighted on the 

 flower, perching against its sides in an up- 

 right position, and pumping up the muci- 

 laginous liquid. 



It is probable the whole of them feed 

 on insects; numbers I am certain do so, 

 having watched them attentively in the Bo- 

 tanic Garden at Mexico, in pursuit of their 



