34 



OUR SEARCH FOR A WILDERNESS. 



close about one of the great wasps' nests which are seen here 

 and there high up among the branches of the forest. 



The Indians and native Venezuelans never trouble the 

 birds, which have been quick to realize and take advantage 



FIG. 16. NEST AND EGGS OF YELLOW-BACKED CASSIQUE. 



Observe the Extra Shelter Roof. The lower opening was made to show 



the egg chamber. 



of this fact, and weave their nests and care for their young 

 almost within arm's reach of the thatched roofs. No mon- 

 key dares venture here, and the mongrel dogs keep off all 

 the small nocturnal carnivores. 



But a colony of Cassiques which chooses to live in the 



