ate,
and may be seen moving in long undulations, now rising for some distance
at an angle of about forty degrees, then falling in a curve. Their long
flights are performed at night, it is supposed, as they are found
feeding leisurely at all times of the day. Small as they are, from
their rapid flight and meteor-like movements they do not fear the
largest birds of prey; for even should the lordly eagle venture into
their domains, the tiny creatures will attack him without fear: and one
has been seen perched on the head of an eagle, at which it was pecking
furiously away, scattering the feathers of the huge bird, who flew
screaming through the air with alarm, to rid himself of his tiny
assailant.

As they fly, the ruby feathers of their throats may be seen changing,
according to the light, now into a greenish gold colour, now into a deep
brown, again to flash forth with the brilliancy of precious gems. Often
they may be observed flying round the deep, cup-shaped calix of the
scarlet trumpet-flower, which with its rich foliage clings in clusters
round the gnarled stem of some withered oak, clothing it with a verdure
not its own. Into these deep and capacious tubes the ruby-throat, with
its long bill, probes, and draws forth either the sweets it produces, or
picks up the multitude of flies entangled in the nectar.

Although the ruby-throat ventures thus far north, it is very susceptible
of cold, and returns southward immediately the summer green of the
forest gives place to the golden tints of autumn. Brave and
high-spirited as is the little bird, it is easily tamed; and Mr Webber,
the naturalist, after many attempts, succeeded in securing several of
the species. The first he caught did not flutter, or make the least
attempt to escape, but remained quietly in his hand; and he saw, when he
opened it, the minute creature lying on his palm, perfectly motionless,
feigning most skilfully to be dead; indeed, actually playing "'possum."
For some time he watched it with breathless curiosity, when he saw it
gradually open its bright little eyes to ascertain whether the way was
clear, and then close them slowly as it caught his glance upon it. When
a mixture of sugar, water, and honey was brought, and a drop placed on
the point of its bill, it came very suddenly to life, and in a moment
was on its legs, drinking with eager gusto of the refreshing draught
from a silver tea-spoon.

The nest of the ruby-throat is of a most del