200 HOMES WiraOUT HANDS. 



and so to put a stop to his marauding propensities. It is well 

 known that the monkey race are very fond of a little bird, 

 mouse, or egg, and that they have such a predilection for blood, 

 that they will snatch the feathers out of parrots' tails, in order 

 to suck the raw and bleeding quills. 



Snakes, too, also inveterate nest-robbers, some of them living 

 almost exclusively on young birds and eggs, are effectually de- 

 barred from entering the nests, so that the parent birds need not 

 trouble themselves about either foe. Although they may repose 

 in perfect safety, undismayed by the approach of either snake 

 or monkey, they never can see one of their enemies without 

 scolding at it, screaming hoarsely, shooting close to its body, 

 and, if possible, indulging in a passing peck. Such a scene is 

 depicted in the illustration, where Weaver Birds of several species 

 have united in their attacks upon a monkey that is endeavouring 

 to rob a nest, and has met with a suitable fate. 



We wUl now proceed to examine the several species, together 

 with their nests and general habits. 



OuE first example of the African Weavers is the Red-billed 

 Weaver Bird, one of the most plentiful of its kind. Its scien- 

 tific name is Textor erythrorhynchus, and it is remarkable for 

 attending the buffaloes wherever they go. Should the buffalo 

 be driven from any locality, as is often the case when civilization 

 begins to make its mark on a country, the Eed-billed Weaver 

 Bird also disappears, and is only to be found in those parts of 

 the land where its huge associate can live in security. 



The reason for this peculiarity is, that the bird finds the greater 

 part of its food upon the buffalo, catching and devouring the 

 various parasites and insects which always accompany these 

 animals. Wherever the buffalo exists, there the Weaver Bird 

 may be seen, flitting about the animal as unconcernedly as if it 

 were carved out of wood, perching on its head and pecking 

 among the hair, settling on the massive horns and leaping at 

 passing flies, while ever and anon it makes a dash along the 

 back, digs away at the thick hide, and presently sits quietly on 

 the buffalo, eating something which it has just secured. 



The buffalo has very good reason to encourage the presence of 

 its feathered allies, for not only do they free it from the trouble- 

 Fome insects, but they are always vigilant, and serve to detect 



