THE SOCIABLE WEAVER BIRD. 253 



They carry this grass to some suitable tree, which is usually 

 a species of acacia, called by the Dutch colonists Kameel- 

 dom {Acacia giraffa)^ because the giraffe, which the Dutch 

 persist in calling a kameel or camel, is fond of grazing on the 

 leaves. 



The birds then hang the Booschmannie grass over a suitable 

 branch, and by means of weaving and plaiting it, they form a 

 roof of some little size. Under this roof are placed a quantity 

 of nests, increasing in number with each successive brood. The 

 nests are set closely together, so that at last they look like a 

 mass of grass pierced with numerous holes, and it is really 

 wonderful that the birds should be able to find their way to 

 their own particular homes. To human eyes, the nests are as 

 much alike as the houses in a modern street, before the blinds, 

 the flowers, and other additions have communicated an indi- 

 viduality to each dwelling ; but, notwithstanding this similarity, 

 the inmates- glide in and out without any hesitation. 



Although the same nest-mass is occupied for several succes- 

 sive seasons, the birds refuse to build in the same nests a 

 second time, preferring to make a fresh domicile for each new 

 brood. In consequence of this custom, when the birds have 

 entirely filled the roofs with their nests, they do not desert it, 

 but enlarge the roof, and build a second row of nests, just like 

 the combs of a wasp's or hornet's habitation. 



Layer after layer is thus added, until the mass becomes of so 

 enormous a size that travellers have mistaken these nests for 

 the houses of human beings, and been grievously disappointed 

 when they came near enough to detect their real character. 

 There is a story of a Hottentot and a lion, which will give an 

 idea of the dimensions of these nests. A Hottentot, who was 

 engaged in some task, was suddenly surprised by a lion, and 

 instinctively made for the nearest tree, which happened to be a 

 kameel-dorn. Up the tree he sprang, and finding one of the 

 branches occupied by the nest of the Sociable Weaver Bird, he 

 took refuge behind the grassy mass, and was thus concealed 

 from the pursuer. 



The lion, in the meantime, arrived at the foot of the tree, 



