Let the doctor himself tell the
story of the discovery while walking through the beautiful forest, so
thick that scarcely a ray of sunshine penetrated the branches. He says:

"I suddenly stood before the most remarkable specimen of the industry of
an animal. It was a hut or bower close to a small meadow enameled with
flowers. The whole was on a diminutive scale, and I immediately
recognized the famous nests described by the hunters of Bruiju. After
well observing the whole I gave strict orders to my hunters not to
destroy the little building. That, however, was an unnecessary caution,
since the Papuans take great care never to disturb these nests or
bowers, even if they are in their way. The birds had evidently enjoyed
the greatest quiet until we happened, unfortunately for them, to come
near them. I had now full employment in the preparation of my
treasure.... I took colors and brushes, and went to the spot, and made
the sketch which I now publish. When I was there neither host nor
hostess was at home.... I could not ascertain whether this bower was
occupied by one pair or more, whether the male alone is the builder, or
whether the wife assists. I believe, however, that the nest lasts
several seasons."

The pleasing description of the house and lawn, with its many
decorations, has been widely copied. "Being mostly near the entrance,"
says the grave scientist in conclusion, surprised into sentiment, "it
would appear that the husband offers there the daily gift to the wife,
removing the objects to the back of the hut as they fade or wither." It
is clever not only in building a house and lawn, but in imitating the
songs and cries of other birds, and doing it so well, according to our
author, that it brought "his hunters to despair."

So few Birds of Paradise have entered the scientific world alive, and so
little is known of their manners, that the meagre accounts we have
possess unusual interest. So long ago as early in the century Mr.
Bennett, in his visit to Macao, wrote a statement of the ways of a Great
Bird of Paradise (_P. Apoda_) which had been at that time in confinement
nine years. His description of the toilet of the most exquisite of birds
is delightful.

"It washes itself regularly twice daily, and after having performed its
ablutions, throws its delicate feathers up nearly over the head.... The
beautiful subalar plumage is then thrown out and cleaned from any spot
that may sully its purity by being passed