368 THE PHILOSOPHY 



The nurferies are enclofed in chambers of clay, like thofe which 

 contain the provifions ; but they are much larger. In the early ftate 

 of the neft, they are not bigger than an hazel nut ; but, in great hills, 

 they are often as large as a child's head of a year old. 



The royal chamber is fituated nearly on a level with the furface 

 of the ground, at an equal diftance from all the fides of the build- 

 ing, and diredtly under the apex of the hill. On all fides, both above 

 and below, it is furrounded by what are called the royal apartvients^ 

 which contain only labourers and foldiers, who can be intended for 

 no other purpofe than to continue in the neft either to guard or 

 ferve their common father and mother^ on whofe fafety the happi- 

 nefs, and, in the eftimation of the Negroes, the exiftence of the 

 whole community depends. Thefe apartments compofe an intricate 

 labyrinth, which extends a foot or more in diameter from the royal 

 chamber on every fide. Here the nurferies and magazines of pro- 

 vifions begin ; and, being feparated by fmall empty chambers and 

 galleries, which furround them, and communicate with each other, 

 are continued on all fides to the outward fhcll, and reach up within 

 it two thirds or three-fourths of its height, leaving an open area in 

 the middle under the dome, which refembles the nave of an old ca- 

 thedral. This area is furrounded by large Gothic arches, which are 

 fometimes two or three feet high next the front of the area, but 

 diminilli rapidly as they recede, like the arches of aifles in perfpec- 

 tives, and are foon loft among the innumerable chambers and nurfe- 

 ries behind them. All thefe chambers and paflages are arched, and 

 contribute mutually to fupport one another. The interior building, 

 or aflembiage of nurferies, chambers, and paflages, has a flattifti roof 

 without any perforation. By this contrivance, if, by accident, wa- 

 ter ftiould penetrate the external dome, the apartments below are 

 preferved from injury. The area has alfo a flatufh floor, which is 

 fituated above the royal chamber. It is likcv/ife water-proof, and 



fo 



