lk-cotton from
the fruit of the sumauma-tree. Below the first was perched a tufted
coquette, looking as boldly at us as any town sparrow. The little
creatures, indeed, kept hovering about; and one came within a few feet
of our faces, as much as to ask how we dared to intrude on its domains.
More pugnacious or brave little beings do not exist among the feathered
tribes.

I cannot hope to describe with any degree of accuracy the numbers of
beautiful humming-birds we met with in different places; for though some
are migratory, the larger proportion strictly inhabit certain
localities, and are seldom met with, we were told, in any other. The
humming-birds of the Andes, of which there are a great variety, never
descend into the plains; nor do those of the plains attempt to intrude
on the domains of their mountain relatives. Although they may live on
the nectar of flowers, they have no objection to the tiny insects they
find among their petals, or which fly through the air, while many devour
as titbits the minute spiders which weave their gossamer webs among the
tall grass or shrubs.

"I should not think that any human being could catch one of those little
creatures," said Ellen, as we returned homewards. "The sharpest-eyed
sportsman would find it difficult to hit one with his fowling-piece."

"He would certainly blow it to pieces," observed John, "if he made the
attempt. They are shot, however, with sand; and perhaps our young
Indian friend himself will find the means of shooting one, if he cannot
capture it in some other way."

"Oh, I would not have one shot for the world!" exclaimed Ellen. "Pray
let him understand that he must do nothing of the sort for my sake."

While we were at breakfast, Duppo, who had disappeared, came running up
with one of the beautiful little creatures which we had seen in his
hand. It seemed much less alarmed than birds usually are in the grasp
of a boy. Perhaps that was owing to the careful way in which Duppo held
it.

"Oh, you lovely little gem!" exclaimed Ellen; "but I am sure I shall
never be able to take proper care of it."

Duppo, who seemed to understand her, signified that Oria would do so for
her. Oria, who had been watching us taking sugar with our tea, and had
by this time discovered its qualities, mixed a little in a spoon, which
she at once put before the bill of the little humming-bird. At first it
was far too much alarmed to taste the sweet mess. At length, growi