258 
THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
of these lovely little creatures are destroyed by them, 
it is only for the purpose of selling as curiosities to 
Europeans. 
They are found in the West Indies, fluttering over 
the sugar-canes. A friend of mine in Jamaica reared 
a nest of young ones. It was attended w^ith great 
trouble, but they were so tame, and so much at- 
tached to her, that they never attempted to gain their 
liberty. They, however, shared the fate of too many 
pets of the feathered race : a cat was accidentally 
shut up in the room with them at night, and the 
poor birds became her prey. 
These birds have no note, but a little simple 
chirping ; though some old writers have asserted that 
they had a most pleasing melancholy melody in their 
voices. The noise they make in fluttering about 
resembles the hum of large flies, and chafers ; hence 
they acquired the name of humming-birds. 
Thou coloured winglet, floating in the ray 
Of June's most gladsome hours, whose gorgeous vest 
Was woven in the rainbow, — little rest 
Thou knowest, in the long bright summer day ; 
