9 . 
BEAUTIFUL BIEDS. 
elegant writer, are festooned with an endless variety 
of climbing plants, usually having the flowers more o^' 
less hell or trumpet shaped, many of them of large 
dimensions, and of the most splendid colours. Among 
these the flowers of the natural order Eignoniaceae 
appear to claim the special care of the Humming 
Eirds. AVithin the nectared calyx of their splendid 
petals a numerous tribe of insect mites love to seek 
seclusion, and sip dhe luscious food; for the land of 
Humming Eirds is, in an especial manner, also the 
land of insects.” ‘ 
The name of Humming Eird was given to the indi- 
viduals of this family on account of the humming sound 
caused by the rapid motion of their narrow wings 
when suspended in the air, hovering about a flower 
in the manner of some species of dipterous insects in 
this country. The velocity of the movement is so 
great that the Avings themselves are not visible ; and 
the bird appears as if hung motionless upon the sound 
itself, while the radiant lustre of its metallic reflections 
constantly varies according to the direction of the 
rays of light. The muscular strength of these little 
creatures is so great, that they continue on the wing 
for a considerable time without inconvenience, indeed, 
they seem rather to gain an impetus for flight by the 
rapid action of their wings, as they instantaneously 
dart from one place to another, upwards, downwards, 
or laterally, w'ithout any perceptible effort. 
The Indian name given to these little gems of the 
feathered race is equivalent to “ beams or locks of the 
sun,” in our own tongue. Their colours are so rich 
and brilliant, that they have been said to resemble the 
