132 TALEGALLA LATHAM!. 



gendered by the process of decomposition for the 

 hatching them.* Mr. Gould says, that the heap 

 employed for this purpose, is collected by the birds 

 during several weeks previously to the period of lay- 

 ing ; that it varies in size from two to four cart- 

 loads, and is of a perfectly pyramidal form. The 

 construction of the mound is not the work of one 

 pair of birds, but is effected by the united labours 

 of several ; the same site appears, from the great 

 size and the entire decomposition of the lower 

 part, to be resorted to for several years in suc- 

 cession ; the birds adding a fresh supply of mate- 

 rials on each occasion, previously to laying their 



The mode in which the materials composing 

 these mounds are accumulated is singular, and 

 proves the utility of their large and strong feet and 

 claws. The bird never uses the bill in collecting 

 materials for the nest, but always grasps a quantity 

 in its foot, throwing it backwards to one common 

 centre, and thus clearing the surface of the ground 

 for a considerable distance, so completely, that 

 scarcely a leaf or a blade of grass is left. The 

 heap being accumulated, and time allowed for a 



* It is now supposed, according to Mr. Backhouse, that both 

 the male and female birds watch the heaps during the period of 

 the eggs being hatched ; and that the latter diminishes or adds to 

 the heated vegetable matter, according to the instinct given to 

 her by her Creator. 



