118 THE HONEY-BIRD. 
silence, and for the most part concealed, in 
some neighbouring tree or bush, in expecta- 
tion of what may happen, and with a view of 
recelving its share of the booty.” It is added, 
that the hunters, by way of acknowledg- 
ment, usually leave to the bird a considera- 
ble share of that part of the comb on which 
the young Bees are hatching, and which is 
probably to it the most acceptable morsel ; 
a remark which, if made upon good founda- 
tion, contributes to make it appear probable, 
that both with the Honey-bird and the Ratel, 
Bee-eating, as well, at least, as honey-eating, 
is a principal object! Dr. Sparrman says, 
that a nest, which was shown to him as be- 
longing to this bird, was composed of slender 
filaments of bark, woven together in the form 
of a bottle; the neck hung downward, and a 
string, In an arched shape, was suspended 
across the opening, fastened at the two ends, 
perhaps for the bird to perch upon. If the 
Bee-Cuckoo, so called, is really of the Cuckoo 
genus, this elaborate architecture of its nest 
makes a strong contrast with the practice of 
the Cuckoo known in England, and which is 
scarcely believed ever to build any! The 
