it revels in the ardent heat of the short-lived summer of the North. Like
the cuckoo, she follows the summer wherever she flies.

"'The ruby-throated humming-bird [Footnote: _Trochilus rubus_.] is
the only species that is known in Canada. With us it builds and breeds,
and then returns to summer skies and warmer airs. The length of the
humming-bird is only three inches and a half, and four and a quarter in
extent, from one tip of the wing to the other. When on the wing, the bird
has the form of a cross, the wings forming no curve, though the tail is
depressed during the time that it is poised in the act of sucking the
honey of the flower. The tongue is long and slender; the bill long and
straight; the legs are very short, so that the feet are hardly visible
when on the wing. They are seldom seen walking, but rest on the slender
sprigs when tired. The flight is so rapid that it seems without effort.
The humming sound is produced by the wing, in the act of keeping itself
balanced while feeding in this position. They resemble the hawk-moth,
which also keeps up a constant vibratory motion with its wings. This
little creature is of a temper as fierce and fiery as its plumes, often
attacking birds of treble its size; but it seems very little disturbed by
the near approach of the Truman species, often entering open windows, and
hovering around the flowers in the flower-stand; it has even been known to
approach the vase on the table, and insert its bill among the flowers,
quite fearless of those persons who sat in the room. Sometimes these
beautiful creatures have suffered themselves to be captured by the hand.

"'The nest of the ruby-throated hummingbird is usually built on a mossy
branch. At first sight, it looks like a tuft of grey lichens; but when
closely examined, shows both care and skill in its construction, the outer
wall being of fine bluish lichens cemented together, and the interior
lined with the silken threads of the milk-weed, the velvety down of the