174 D. Seth-Smith—The Arrival of Humming Birds


of its own accord. Finally, through the window being accidentally

left open at the wrong time, it escaped and was not able to find its

way back.


In the New York Zoological Park one was kept for four years on

this diet, and its death was attributed to a failure of the electric heating

device.


As to their reputed quarrelsomeness, they certainly like to dart

at one another and make a show of fighting ; but like the squabbles

of Ruffs, most of it is bluff and does no harm. The collection in the

Berlin Gardens is kept in one fairly large indoor aviary and little

harm has been experienced through fighting ; in fact a few squabbles

help to keep the birds exercised and healthy.


As a site for a Humming Bird aviary in the London Zoo I could

think of no more suitable place than the Tropical House. Here such

birds as Sugar-birds, the more difficult Honey-eaters, Sunbirds, and

so forth have done extremely well in a damp and warm atmosphere.

So a corner of this was selected for an aviary of about 18 by

12 feet. The front was screened off with plate glass, the open

side covered with “ Windolite ”, and the top below the glass roof covered

with fine white mosquito netting. A ventilator near the ground

admits fresh air while the exhausted air has an exit at the top. As

a precaution against the possible failure of the hot-water heating

supply an additional electric heating apparatus has been installed.

This is thermostatically controlled so that should the temperature

fall below about 70 degrees Fahr. the electric heater comes into action.

The place has been planted with flowers and a fountain installed.


Regarding further the feeding of Humming Birds, I have said that

their principal food consists of a mixture of syrup, and it is important

that this should not be allowed to soil their plumage or they would

very soon suffer. It must be given in a vessel which has an opening

of not more than about one-eighth of an inch so that the birds can

insert their bills only. If given in an open dish they would become

terribly sticky. I think it was the German importer who devised

the particular feeding bottles that are now used. They are well shown

in the photographs and work on the principle of the poultry drinkers

one sometimes sees, where the water remains at a constant level at



