The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-07-03
ROUTED BY HUMMlNG BIRDS.
HOW THE LITTLE FEATHERED FL
RIES RESENT INTRUSION.
Myri"ds of Them Make 1t Warm for IA
stranger Who IgnOrantIy Vent
ured Where Indian LabOrers Re-
fused TO Expose Themselves.

"reu W mere Indian LahOrers Re-
fused TO Expose Themselves.
From the Indianapolis Journal.
II was during the writer's stay in Qua
temala that the circumstances occurred
which forms the subject of this sketch.
wandering one day along the banks of the
beautiful Rio Dulce, I arrived at a point
Where the dense tropical growth crowded
down to the waters edge, barring further
progress in that direction. The footpath
here turned to the right and was soon
lost in the deep gloom of the forest. Curl
Gus to know where the trail might 'ead
L followed for some distance through
the jungle, which closed above like The
arched roof of a tunnel. The trees were
oyergrown with vines and creepers, which
fell in folds like vast green curtain that
swayed gently in the breeze. So closely
woven was this verdant mantle that one
could see but a few feet In any direction
From the boelSy depths came medley of
strange sounds; green parrots were NUT
terlng in low tones, as though discussing
some weighty subject pertaining to the
family or state. Occasionally the discord-
through the solitude, while from the re-
moter distance came the unmistakable
howl of the black monkey, known as the
Congo" After walk of half a mile
or such a matter, the path came to an
end at the edge of a large clearing In
which I discovered an extensive banana
plantation or walk" as the natives term
1t. The stalks grew to height of 'ign-
teen or twenty feet. Their broad leaves
meeting overhead formed long shady
avenues between the rows. The effect was
charming. Here and there a patch of
sunlight filtered through, Illuminating "A
bit of messy ground where the dew still
sparkled, although 1t was almost noon.
Finding a convenient log l sat down to
rest and enjoy the novel scene, but the
Opportunity for recreation proved brief;
l was only fairly seated when my atten-
ton was attracted by a strange sound. low
but distinct like the buzzing of distant
saw or rotary plane. An instant later
bright flash passed before my eyes fol-
lowed IN a second by another, this time
accompanied by a spiteful little scream,
and so close that 1 lodged involuntarily.
Meanwhile the quaint humming sound In
creased to a dull roar, like the whirring
of a thousand spindles in great factory.
The air trembed with the beating of my
Rad wings, and every instant my cheek
was famed by the close proximity of the
little creatures, that seemed, to my ex-
cited Imagination, like so many golden
arrows aimed at my devoted head; they
darted here and there with the swiftness
of thought. Unwittingly l had invaded a
colony of humming birds, and they re-
sented the intrusion with all the ardor of
their impetuous natures.
To say 1 was surprised by this sudden
onslaught hardly expresses the feeling; 1
was astonished and piaued also. Think of
It, a great monster like myself to be set
upon by Il scolding bird wife! 1 would
not endure it, so hastily plucking a hand
full of long grass, / rushed TO the fray,
beating the air wildly, like boy fighting
bumbebees in a Northern bayfield,; but
this only aggravated the little warriors, and
they came on with redoubled fury In twos
and threes and tours, driving directly at
my face with uncomfortable force. Now,
by a bold dash, my main column was
driven back, now my right and now my
left flank was charged, while detachment
fell on my rear, routing my reserves,
whistling through the air like darts and
Kissing their contempt in my ears, which
stung, not altogether from the bitterness
of their satire, but from the blows of their
tiny wings and the sharp rebuke of count
less needle-like bills. The little army was
reinforced every moment.
Verify, more jealous patriots never took
up arms in the defense of home and fam
lily. They withdrew for a brief space, but
il was only TO marshal their forces for a
grand charge. Now they came with a wild
rush, their uniforms of gold and scarlet
glistening in the sunlight each little sol
der like a winged gen. but there was lit
tie time to admire the~elegance of their
costumes. Their sharpened lances gleam-
ed fitfully; In a moment they were upon
me, again l made a pretense of defense
IN f-l,f
striking blindly in every drection--but
these frantic efforts were all in vain. On
they came, from all sides a once my out
posts were passed my guards overcome.
They swept everything before them. Never
was beleaguered city more completely at
the mercy Of the enemy-but mercy is a
quality unknown to these doughty though |
diminutve champions of liberty. They
drove at my eyes with the fury Of demons;
a sharp stroke on the cheek, vicious cut
on one lip, followed by a savage thrust |
on my neck. | tried TO >retreat in good
order, but soon became confused. threw |
down my weapons and fed, leaving the !
field in the hands of the foe. 1t was hu-
initiating, but from a purely unitarian !
point of view it was a good business |
move.
I was told afterward by the owner OF |
the walk that quite a large area re- |
manned uncut" the Indians positively re- |
fusing to expose their bare limbs to the |
fury of the fiery little colonlsts He also |
informed me that their presence in such |
numbers was accounted for by the proxim- |
ity of a grove of wild orange trees, as |
they are particularly fond Of the bios |
SONS, and have been known TO Investigate /
the fruit itself when fully matured. SO !
deeply interested did 1 become in these |
bold defenders of their territorial rights |
that determined to pay another visit to |
the orchard, but taking care not to APP
pToach too closely.
Accordingly, the very next day, equip |
ped with a hammock and light umbrella. /
took my way to the clearing, resolved |
to learn what / could Of the habits of my
intrepid assaiants-from a safe distance.
Advancing cautiously, ] swung the ham
mock in a comfortable position under the |
spreading branches OF a towering ceiba |
tree just at the edge Of the grove, where
might watch their movements without
exciting suspicion. However, the war
spirit still ran high, and a few lively sal
lies were made, but, finding no resistance,
fho hostile feeling soon sf1besdpd and af-