out its huge wings, slowly glided into the air. At
first the weight of its body seemed to keep it down, but gradually it
rose, mounting higher and higher, until it appeared like a mere speck in
the blue sky.

"He has gone off to the distant ocean," observed our companion; "or to
seek for prey among the flocks on the plains below. He will not return
till evening, when probably we shall see him, or some of his brothers,
flying over our heads, and pitching on the lofty peaks amid which they
dwell."

The highest point of the pass was at length reached. We all felt a
difficulty in breathing, and even our hardy mules stood still and gasped
for breath. We let them proceed slowly, while we had time to admire the
magnificent spectacle which the mountain scenery afforded. Around us on
every side rose up lofty peaks and rugged heights, prominent among which
appeared the snow-capped, truncated peak of Cotopaxi, looking like a
vast sugar-loaf. The rocks, too--huge masses of porphyry--were broken
into all sorts of shapes, and were of every variety of colour, from dark
brown to the brightest lilac, green, purple, and red, and others of a
clear white, producing a very curious and beautiful effect, and at the
same time showing us to what violent throes and upheavings that region
has been subjected. Below our feet was spread out that gloomy plain
which has been so frequently devastated by the lava and ashes which the
mountain has cast forth.

Descending, we reached a sheltered spot, where grass was found for our
tired mules. Our saddle-bags were unpacked, the fires lighted, and in a
short time cups of boiling chocolate and a steaming stew, previously
cooked, were arranged for us on the grass.

While wandering a little way from our temporary camp, I saw some large
pale yellow flowers growing on a low shrub. Presently several small
beautiful birds appeared hovering above them, in no way daunted by my
presence. As they dipped their long bills into the flowers, I could
observe their plumage, and was convinced, though found at so great an
elevation, that they were humming-birds. After watching them for some
time, I called Ellen and Arthur to look at them.

"Ah, yes, they are worthy of admiration," exclaimed our Inca friend.
"The bird is the Chimborazian hill-star humming-bird. It is found
16,000 feet above the ocean, close to the region of snow, and seldom at
a less elevation than 12,000 feet."

The head and throat of the l