HUMMING-BIRDS. 
10D 
‘ But what large wings it has ! ’ Such, indeed, is the 
case, and in most instances the size of the wings and 
strength of their quills are entirely out of proportion 
to our ideas of symmetry in a creature clothed with 
feathers ; but, upon comparing them with its necessi- 
ties, and the other parts of its frame, their utility and 
design become obvious. All their other parts, not 
called into action during flight, are very slender, 
almost frail ; their tarsi are short, and the feet small, 
so as not to incommode during flight, while they point 
out an inability for any long support, or assistance in 
procuring sustenance, by climbing or hanging in various 
positions, as we see employed by the titmice, and 
many of the slender-billed warblers. Their food is 
derived from the sweet nectar of flowers, or from 
insects which must either be taken in a rapid flight, 
or withdrawn from the deep tube, or cup-shaped re- 
cesses of blossoms which grow and hang in every 
direction, and which it would be impossible to reach, 
unless by suspension above or under. Another great 
necessity for their possessing organs of such power, is 
to enable them to pass in safety through the migra- 
tions, and the long flights which are sometimes neces- 
sary for their preservation, and during which they 
have often to withstand a passing gale, showers, or 
even the rigour of a snow-storm. The beautiful 
climes where we have seen they inhabit, are at 
seasons subject to perpetual rains, which drench and 
almost inundate their abodes, or to hurricanes, that in 
a few minutes leave only a wreck of all that was 
