204. HISTORY OF 



because it perfectly resembles that of a thatched 

 house; and the ridge forms an angle so acute 

 and so smooth, projecting over the entrance of 

 the nest below, that it is impossible for any rep- 

 tile to approach them. " The industry of these 

 birds seems almost equal (says our author) 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 material they em- 

 ploy for the purpose of erecting this extraordinary 

 work, as well as for additions and repairs. Though 

 my 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 which I have seen borne 

 down with the weight, and others which I have ob- 

 served with their boughs completely covered over, 

 it would appear that this is really the case. When 

 the tree 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, so as to inform myself 

 of the internal structure of it, and found it equally 

 ingenious with that of the external. There are 

 many entrances, each of which forms a regular 

 street, with nests on both sides, at about two 

 inches distance from each other. The grass with 

 which they build is called the Boshman's grass ; 

 and I believe the seed of it to be their principal 

 food, though, on examining their nests, I found 

 the wings and legs of different insects. From 



