Xvi INTRODUCTION. 



As we recede from the tropics on either side, the Humming 

 Birds gradually decrease in number and variety. In Mexico and 

 Peru there are some species which are peculiar to those countries ; 

 they have been observed near the Straits of Magellan, and even 

 on the remote island of Juan Fernandez. Two species only, 

 the Ruby-throated, and the Ruff-necked, extend far into North 

 America; the latter of these was discovered by Captain Cook, in 

 Noofcka Sound, and the former was found breeding, by Dr. Drurn- 

 mond, near the sources of the Elk River. 



We shall have to say more of these two species farther on, 

 when we come to describe those figured in the plates, among which 

 they are included; it will also be necessary then to go more fully 

 into the habits, etc., of distinct species, which will serve to illustrate 

 the general characteristics of the whole family. 



Although in tropical countries the Humming Eirds are constant 

 residents, yet in some colder climates they are migratory; in Central 

 Chili they are said to make their appearance in autumn, and in 

 the latter end of the month which corresponds to our October, 

 they are very common. In the spring they begin to disappear, 

 and by the end of March are almost entirely gone, that is, one 

 species, but then others arrive, so that the Chilian gardens are 

 never destitute of these winged ornaments. On the east and west 

 coasts of North America the same migration takes place, the birds 

 moving southwards, or towards the tropic during the colder parts 

 of the year, and returning with the returning heat. In Terra del 

 Fuego, and in Northern California, which occupy about the same 

 relative positions north and south, some species remain throughout 

 the yeav. In the West India Islands they are constant residents; 

 there amid the spicy groves, and lands of luxuriant vegetation, 

 both wild and cultivated, they find a congenial home. The following 

 account of them, written by Lady Stuart Wortley, so truthfully 

 and agreeably illustrates the character and manners of these tiny 

 Bee-birds, as they are sometimes called, that we are tempted to 

 quote it entire: — 



"The Humming Birds in Jamaica are lovely little creatures, and 

 most wonderfully tame and fearless of the approach of man. One 

 of these charming feathered jewels had built its delicate nest close 

 to one of the walks of the garden belonging to the house where 

 we were staying. The branch, indeed, of the beautiful little shrub 

 in which this fairy nest was suspended, almost intruded into the 

 walk; and every time we sauntered by, there was much danger 

 of sweeping against this projecting branch with its precious charge, 

 and doing it some injury, as very little would have demolished 

 the exquisite fabric. In process of time two lovely little pearl- 

 like eggs had appeared; and while we were there we had the 



