UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 95 



which appears like thatch, and projects over the 

 nestSj and is so smooth and steep that no reptiles 

 can approach them. The industry of these birds 

 is equal to that of the bee : throughout the day 

 they appear to be busily employed in carrying a 

 fine species of grass, which is the principal mate- 

 rial they employ in the construction of this 

 extraordinary work, as well as for repairs and 

 additions. 



It appears that, as they increase annually in 

 numbers, they join nest to nest, till at last the 

 bough on which they have built gives way under 

 their weight, and they are forced to seek for a 

 new dwelling. One of these deserted colonies 

 was examined, and found to be as ingeniously 

 contrived within as without. The entrances 

 formed a regular street, with nests on both sides, 

 at about two inches distance from each other ; 

 and it was evident, from the appearance, that a 

 part of it had been inhabited for many years. 

 The grass with which they build is called Bosh- 

 man's grass, and its seed is their principal food ; 

 but the remains of insects, found in their nests, 

 prove that they prey on them also. 



6th. I wonder, dear Mamma, whether it is 

 as difficult to others, as it is to me, to lay aside 

 old habits. I must acknowledge, that I have 

 been of late too much addicted to lying in bed, 

 and have quite disgraced myself, after having for 



