MAY. 
165 
and would come a dozen times a day^ or more^ to be fed. 
After fluttering a few seconds at the door or window to at- 
tract notice, it would alight on a neighbouring tree or rose- 
bush, until its food was prepared for it ; and then upon 
calling peet^ peet/' it would dart in a straight line with 
the velocity of an arrow to receive it. W e generally filled 
two or three tubes of the honeysuckle with syrup^ which 
it extracted while on the wing^ buzzing around the flower 
held in our hand^ and inserting its bill, which was about 
three fourths of an inch in length, from which it protruded 
its tongue^ at least half an inch longer, with which it sucked 
up the liquid. This generally sufficed it, but sometimes it 
did not appear satisfied^ but would repair to its resting-place^ 
and wait until the flowers were again filled, when upon being 
called it would return and finish its repast. But if after 
flying to its perch it wiped its bill upon the limb, we were 
then assured it wanted no more at that time ; all the soli- 
citations we could make would have no other effect than to 
hasten its departure. In the course of half an hour, it would 
be back again after more food, and if the member of the 
family to whom he applied was. engaged^ and not ready to 
attend to him^ he would try over and over again to excite 
attention, by flying into different apartments of the house^ 
and buzzing within a few inches. Peet's solicitations gene- 
rally succeeded, as the younger branches of the family were 
delighted with attending to him. He appeared to be more 
fond of syrup when made thick, than any other food which was 
offered him* If it was too much diluted^ he would, fly to his 
resting-place^ and wait until it was altered. We also at 
times gave sugar and cream^ wine and water mixed with sugar, 
and once some honey obtained from a humble bee's nest^ 
which he appeared to treat with great contempt. Sometimes 
when he was fluttering around the flower held outside of the 
doorway, a stranger of the same species^, having less confi- 
