gently through the bill, the
short chocolate-colored wings are extended to the utmost, and he keeps
them in a steady flapping motion, at the same time raising up the
delicate long feathers over the back, which are spread in a chaste and
elegant manner, floating like films in the ambient air. In this position
the bird would remain for a short time, seemingly proud of its heavenly
beauty. I never yet beheld a soil on its feathers. After expanding the
wings it would bring them together so as to conceal the head, then
bending gracefully it would inspect the state of its plumage
underneath.... It then picks and cleans its plumage in every part within
reach, and throwing out the elegant and delicate tuft of feathers
underneath, they are cleaned in succession, if required, by throwing
them abroad, elevating and passing them in succession through the bill.
Then turning its back to the spectators, the actions above mentioned are
repeated, ... and throwing its feathers up with much grace, appears as
proud as a lady dressed in her full ball dress"(!). After further
account of its taking grasshoppers from visitors, he concludes: "Should
any of the insects fall to the floor of his cage he will not descend to
them, appearing to be fearful that in so doing he should soil his
delicate plumage."

Almost equally charming is Mr. Bennett's observation of one that Wallace
carried alive to London, which lived two years there and became
exceedingly tame. It is this species whose dancing parties Wallace thus
describes:--

"On one of these trees a dozen or twenty full-plumaged male birds
assemble, raise their wings vertically over the back, stretch out their
necks, and raise and expand their exquisite long plumes till they form
two magnificent golden fans, which are kept in continual vibration.
Between whiles they fly across from branch to branch in great
excitement, so that the whole tree is filled with waving plumes in every
variety of attitude and motion. In the position above mentioned the
whole bird is overshadowed by his plumage, the crouching body, yellow
head, and emerald green throat form but the foundation and setting to
the golden glory which waves above. Seen in this attitude the Bird of
Paradise really deserves its name, and must be ranked as one of the most
beautiful and most wonderful of living things."

In truth, it is so transcendently beautiful that hunters have been
astonished into forgetfulness of their guns, and no triu