270 STORIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



answer the note from time to time, till the bird 

 is in sight; then it flies forward by short flits, 

 toward the spot where the hive is situated, and 

 thus secures a portion of the spoil from its 

 grateful allies." 



The natives hold these birds in great rever- 

 ence, and highly resent the killing of them. 

 In order to fortify them against the stings of 

 bees, nature has furnished them with skins so 

 thick that they can with difficulty be pierced 

 with a pin. 



