112 
HUMMING-BIRDS. 
of the feathered race. In one species* it presents a 
very curious anomaly among birds, by being composed 
of only six feathers. This species is rare, and I have 
had no opportunity for an examination ; but the testi- 
monies of Temminck and Lesson show that it is not 
an accidental variation, but that it remains constant 
in all the birds which they have examined. 
The bill is always an important organ in birds. 
This family presents great modification of form, which 
will be seen by inspecting the plates, and will be far- 
ther illustrated when we characterise the divisions. 
But although most of the species are partly insecti- 
vorous, and take a great portion of their food in the 
air, we find no rictorial bristles or great develop- 
ment at the base, as among the truly insectivorous 
tribes ; and except in one or two instances, no very 
evident appropriation of structure. In a few species 
the edges of the mandibles are toothed, (see Plates 
I. II. and III.,) and in the individuals which form the 
genus Ramphodon of Lesson, this member is furnished 
with recurved saw-like teeth, a manifest provision for 
more effectually securing some peculiar prey. 
The tongue and its accessory parts show a greater 
* See Plate XXVII. 
