140 THE COLLARED SUN-BIRD. 



tected from the sun, and keeps cool and fresh for 

 a long time. 



The natives come to this supply as to a foun- 

 tain. They sometimes bring buckets made of 

 leather, and, climbing the tree, let down a bucket 

 and draw as much as they require. 



This is not the only use made of the baobab. 



In some of the African villages, the hollow 

 trunk of the giant tree has a doorway rudely cut 

 into it ; and is thus made into a vast room, in 

 which the chiefs and principal people of the tribe 

 can meet to 'discuss matters of business. 



The baobab, vast as it is in circumference, does 

 not grow to any great height. It seldom grows 

 higher than sixty feet. It bears a quantity of 

 fruit ; each fruit hangs from, a long stalk, and is 

 the size and shape of a cucumber. 



The monkeys love the fruit, and devour it 

 greedily. This is why the tree has been called 

 the monkey-bread tree. 



