CARMELITE SUN-BIRD. 
199 
the velvety feel and appearance of N. amethystina , 
and showing yellow and greenish lights. Under- 
neath, the plumage of the same texture is deep 
umber-brown, and, when seen across, shows rich 
purple reflections. The forehead, until within the 
line of the eyes, is covered with the scale-like 
feathers of deep green, the last row of feathers 
being rich violet, forming, as it were, a narrow 
band of that colour. The chin is velvety-black, 
and, following it, the gular patch is rich yel- 
lowish-green, playing in the light, reaching to the 
upper part of the breast, and having the last row 
of feathers deep steel-blue tipped with scarlet, at a 
little distance appearing as a violet termination, 
bordered by a scarlet thread. On each maxilla 
there is a narrow stripe of deep shining green, 
similar to the forehead in colour. No trace of axil- 
lary tufts or colouring on the shoulders. Bill, legs, 
and feet black. 
As in Africa we have the Nectariniad® in the 
greatest profusion, both in numbers and species, so 
do we find the more varied forms. These are most 
apparent in the form of the tail, which is square, 
wedge-shaped, or has the centre feathers only much 
elongated; the first we have seen in the species 
we have been describing, and as an example of the 
second we now give the representation of the 
