TAILOR-BIRD. 



.85 



birds build their nests in mimosa trees, which grow to a large size, and appear 

 to be pecuharly adapted for the purpose, as the smoothness of their trunks 

 prevents the occupants from being attacked by monkeys and other noxious 

 animals. 



" On one tree," says Mr. Paterson, " there could not be less than from eight 

 hundred to a thousand of these nests under one general roof. I call it a roof 

 because it resembles that of a thatched house, and projects over the entrance 

 of the nest below in a very singular manner. The industry of these birds 



Fig. 98.— Nest of Tailor-Bird. 



seems almost equal to that of the bee. Throughout the day they appear to 

 be busily employed in carrying a species of fine grass, which is the principal 

 material they employ for the purpose of erecting this extraordinary work, as 

 well as for additions and repairs. Though my very short stay in the country 

 was not sufficient to satisfy me by ocular proof that they added to their nest 

 as they annually increased' in numbers, still, from the many trees that I have 

 seen borne dovvn by the weight, and others which 1 have observed with their 

 boughs completely covered over, this would appear to be really the case. When 

 the U-ee which is the support of this aerial city is obliged to give way to the 

 increase of weight, it is obvious that they are no longer protected, and are 

 under the necessity of rebuilding in other trees. One of these deserted nests 

 I had the curiosity to break down to inform myself of the internal structure, 



