THE ESCULENT SWALLOW. 



101 



inland species, on the other hand, make use of opaque 

 materials, and never of marine plants. 



It would be presumptuous, amid so many conflict- 

 ing opinions, for us to pronounce at all upon the ma- 

 terials of these nests ; yet we think it probable that 

 M. Lamouroux's account comes nearest the truth. 

 If the nests, however, are formed of Geliadia, they 

 are most assuredly cemented with salivary gluten 

 into the uniform consistency which they ultimately 

 assume. 



Esculent Swallow and Nest, from Latharius 1 figure. 



The commercial history of these singular nests is 

 much better understood than their composition, in 

 consequence of their reputed virtue as a restorative. 

 The best account of them which we have met with 

 is given by Mr. Crawfurd. " The best nests," he 

 says, " are those obtained in deep, damp caves, and 

 I 2 



