22 
THE HUMMING-BIRD. 
No wonder the ancient Mexicans stole the 
plumage of the humming-birds to adorn their 
mantles ; and very superb these mantles 
were, sparkling with the many coloured tints 
I have been describing ; and the Mexican 
youth thought he could make no more costly 
present to his bride, than the gorgeous crest of 
the humming-bird, to be worn amongst her 
hair. Even now, the Indian women hang 
the tiny bodies of the humming-birds to their 
ears, instead of ear-rings, and on their head- 
dresses, instead of jewels. 
The humming-bird, though so small, is very 
brave, and will attack a bird three or four 
times his own size. It is no pleasant thing 
to come in the way of his long bill, for he 
always pecks the eyes of his assailant. 
When he is keeping watch over the nest, 
he is particularly fierce, and if another bird 
happens to come near, he darts out, screaming 
with rage ; his throat swells, and his wings 
expand to the» fullest extent, and he looks 
like a little fury. He gives battle to the 
intruder, and the two birds fight desperately, 
until one of fchem falls to the ground exhausted, 
and so ends the conflict. 
