HUMMING-BIRDS. 
113 
resemblance to the scansorial insectivorous birds, be- 
ing in fact nearly similar in their formation to those 
of the woodpeckers. The os hyoides passes round 
the back part of the skull, and its horns, or extre- 
mities, when joined, reach forward beyond the line 
of the eyes. 
The tongue is very long, and by the structure of its 
parts above mentioned, is retractile, and capable of 
being darted out with considerable force. It is com- 
posed, according to Brisson and Lesson-, (which we 
have confirmed as far as the examination of the moist- 
ened parts would allow,) of two muscular tubes joined 
together for the greater part of their length ; towards 
the tip, broadened or swelling, and, according to 
Lesson, terminated in a spoonlike point on the up- 
