HATCHING. 185 
by affection for its progeny, there is nothing to compare to the work 
of the Sociable Weaver Bird. This Cape bird, also called Republican 
Bird, which is about the size of and resembles a Sparrow, lives in 
numerous families, that unite in forming immense colonies. Their 
dwellings have the appearance of a circular framework or umbrella 
surrounding the trunk of a tree, as represented in Fig. 77. Levaillant 
counted as many as 300 cells, which indicate that it is inhabited by 
600 birds. ‘These nests are so heavy that Levaillant was compelled 
to employ a cart with many men in transporting one of their colonies. 
Again, the csculent nest of the Eastern Swallow, the one so much 
sought after by gourmands, hangs from cliffs washed by the sea, and 
is constructed of a fucus or marine plant of the genus Ge/sdium, 
which gelatinous substance, cemented by the saliva of the bird, forms 
a paste, considered by the epicures of some countries to possess a 
most delicate flavour. 
Eggs are generally numerous in inverse proportion to the size of 
the bird. The Eagle lays two, for instance, while the Wren lays occa- 
sionally twelve. After the eggs are laid, the female must submit to 
the long and painful labour of incubation. While the male watches 
in the neighbouring bush to defend his embryo brood against any 
enemy which may present itself, giving battle to much larger animals 
than himself if they venture to attack his nest, the female only 
quits her charge for necessary food, and her place is often occupied 
during her absence by her mate. Among the numerous enemies 
to be dreaded we may mention birds of prey, quadrupeds, reptiles, 
and, possibly more unfeeling than all, children with destructive 
instincts. 
If nothing occurs to disturb the repose of the parent birds, the 
male, perched upon a neighbouring branch, pours out a song ex- 
pressive of his felicity. The little ones are finally hatched, helpless 
and incapable, without feathers and with closed eyes, utterly de- 
pendent on their progenitors, by whom they are fed until they are 
capable of providing for themselves. The mother directs their first 
efforts, uttering a peculiar cry to attract them when she discovers a 
favourite morsel; defending them courageously, and, with a total 
abnegation of self, meeting the most formidable enemies ; sometimes 
going so far for their protection as to offer herself a victim. How 
pitiful are the cries of a swallow whose nest is built under the roof 
of a house that is on fire! Fearlessly she rushes into the flames, 
to rescue her young or perish with them in the attempt. Or mark 
the unhappy pariridge which the sportsman has surprised on the 
nest. She hesitates not to offer herself a sacrifice, rushing almost 
