Trochilus colubris. Maine (Lake Umbagog). 1879. May 23. As last night was clear, cold and accompanied by a frost which is said to have killed much of the corn in the surrounding country I feared for the safety of the Hummingbirds left in the orchard last evening. But up- on visiting the place this morning I found them apparent- ly uninjured and in even greater numbers than before. Many were buzzing about sipping the honey from the blos- soms, while others were sunning themselves under the lee of the trees, perched on wood stalks within a few inches of the ground. One and all seemed somewhat numbed by (May 23) the cold, and each little form was so puffed up, that it looked like a ball of down. As the sun rose higher they resumed their characteristic nervous energy and the snowy canopies of blossoms witnessed many a spirited con- test between the pugnacious males. The females were in about the proportion of one to four females. The males paid them little attention devoting most of their time to feeding, and quarrelling with one another. They are evidently not yet paired. I heard only two notes a sharp squeak and an exceedingly fine twittering. Their fights were most entertaining being spirited and decisive to a degree; sometimes the combatants would cone to the ground clinched together and when the weaker gave way and fled there was always a sharp pursuit. The orchard was filled with their shrill squeaking and the hum of their tiny wings was incessant. What a pity that a scene so interesting must be so transient. In a day or two the blossoms will fall and then another year must pass before the plum orchard will be again re- visited by these charming little sprites. " 24. The plum trees showering down their faded petals and the Hummers nearly all gone, only one or two lingering about the scene of their late revels . June 5. A common resident; I see them daily. 1880. May 18. One poising in front of a few freshly-opened blos- soms of the Canada plum-tree in the garden. 1881. May 20. One darting like a bee across Leonard's Pond. It is in advance of the season for the Canada plum trees will not bloom for several days yet.