98 CLASS AVES. 



this spawn is coagulated and deposited. At the epoch of the 

 construction of the nest, threads of this viscous matter have been 

 observed to hang from the bill of the bird. The observer we 

 have quoted, collected some of this fish-spawn, and having 

 dried it, declares it to be similar to the substance of the nests 

 of the Salangana. . / 



Notwithstanding all this, Sir Everard Home, who has 

 investigated the stomach of a bird of this description, has 

 given his decided opinion that the edible nests are composed 

 of a substance secreted by the glands of that organ. 



In our introductory essay on birds, we have cited another 

 opinion, which appears to be by no means void of foundation. 

 But we must refer our readers to the part in question, and 

 forbear all repetition here. 



At the end of July and in the commencement of August 

 the Cochin-Chinese collect these nests. The species does not 

 suffer by this, as these swallows multiply in IMarch and April. 



The form of the nests, according to the most accurate 

 observers, is that of a semi-ellipsoid, hollow, elongated, and 

 cut at right angles tlu'ough the centre of its grand axis. 

 They are composed externally of very slender laminae, nearly 

 concentric, and inclining so as to cover each other. The 

 ^interior exhibits many layers of irregular net-work, with very 

 unequal meshes, superposed on each other, and formed by a 

 multitude of threads of the same substance as the exterior, 

 and which cross and re-cross each other in every direction. 

 This composition, which has a slight flavour of salt, is of a 

 yellowish demi- transparent white. It softens in hot water 

 without dissolving, and swells as it softens. It constitutes a 

 substantial nourishment, full of prolific juices ; and its effect, 

 says Mauduyt, is excellent on exhausted constitutions, and 

 where the stomach performs its functions badly. Poivre 

 assures us, that he never ate any thing more nourishing 

 and restorative than the soups made of these nests and some 

 good meat combined. 



