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THE HARMONIES OF NATURE. 



her eggs, and sometimes the nest and arbour are woven into 

 one. 



The Hindoos are very fond of these birds for their docility 

 and sagacity ; when young they teach them to fetch and carry, 

 and when the young women resort to the public fountains, 

 their lovers instruct the baya to pluck the tica or golden orna- 

 ment from the forehead of their favourite, and bring it to their 

 master. 



Nests of the Baya Sparrow. 



Generally each pair of the numerous species of weaver-birds 

 constructs its separate nest, but the social grosbeak forms a 

 remarkable exception to the rule ; for here we find not one 

 single pair but hundreds living under the same roof, perfectly 

 resembling that of a thatched house, and with a projecting ridge 

 so that it is impossible for any reptile to approach the entrances 

 concealed below. These lead to avenues within, with nests 

 ranged on both sides about two inches apart ; and thus, though 

 inhabitants of the same aerial city, each pair enjoys its own 

 private dwelling. The tree usually selected for these nests is 

 the giraffe-acacia, which derives its name from its constituting 



