EDIBLE BIRDS’ NESTS. 297 
as when first made. If the above-mentioned theory were correct, 
of course the older nests ought to be black. On the other hand, 
I have seen thousands of black nests in all stages, from their 
first commencement up to their completion. Very lately I had 
under my observation a quantity of nests partly last season’s 
make, partly this. The birds had returned to their old nests 
(which had not been collected), and utilized what remained of 
them, there being a rim of new (but black) material thrown 
round the old and partly decayed centre. Both rim and centre 
were unmistakably black. 
The difference between the two classes of nest is at once to 
be seen. The quality—and consequently the price—of white 
nest varies considerably, from an almost pure white, crisp, thin 
nest,—which is valued as high as eighteen dollars, and even 
twenty dollars, a colley here,—down to thickish flabby nest, 
with the ugly raw flesh-stalk or foot, already mentioned, which 
is valued as low as two dollars a colley only, but is always to be 
recognised as “‘ white” nest. Black nest varies, from the best 
quality,—known here as “manas,”’—which is well shaped and 
crispish as a rule, but has feathers in quantities woven into 
their texture, and which is sometimes valued as high as one 
dollar and fifty cents a colley, down to the worst black, which 
may not be worth more than fifty or sixty cents a colley. 
I know some caves in which the nest is always all white (of 
various qualities), others in which the nest is always all black 
(including manas), and others in which all qualities both of white 
and black occur. I am not prepared to advance any explanation 
for the reason of this at present, beyond mentioning that the 
natives say that there are two species of birds, the makers of 
black nests being chiefly distinguishable by their slightly larger 
heads from the makers of white. I have never noticed this 
distinction ‘myself, however. 
What is the truth of Marsden’s statement as to the practice of 
beating down and destroying old nest in order that a greater 
proportion of white nest may be found next season? The fact is 
that if any nest is left uncollected, whether it be black or white, 
the birds next season will use as much as they can of the old foul 
and decayed nest, thus spoiling the new crop as well. Ifa new 
cave is found, though it can be seen at once if it is a white or a 
black nest one, the nest in it at the time of finding will not be of 
ZOOLOGIST.— AUGUST, 1885. 24 
