THE SOCIABLE WEAVER BIRD. a1 
Although the same nest-mass is occupied for several 
successive seasons, the birds refuse to build in the same 
nests a second time, preferring to make a fresh domicile 
for each new brood. In consequence of this custom, 
when the birds have entirely filled the roofs with their 
nests, they do not desert it, but enlarge the roof, and 
build a second row of nests, just like the combs of a wasp’s 
or hornet’s habitation. 
Layer after layer is thus added, until the mass becomes 
of so enormous a size that travellers have mistaken these 
nests for the houses of human beings, and been grievously 
disappointed when they came near enough to detect their 
real character. There is a story of a Hottentot and a 
lion, which will give an idea of the dimensions of these 
nests. A Hottentot, who was engaged in some task, was 
suddenly surprised by a lion, and instinctively made for 
the nearest tree, which happened to be a kameel-dorn. 
Up the tree he sprang, and finding one of the branches 
occupied by the nest of the Sociable Weaver Bird, he took 
refuge behind the grassy mass, and was thus concealed 
from the pursuer. 
The lion, in the meantime, arrived at the foot of the 
tree, but could not see his intended prey. The unlucky 
Hottentot, however, peeped over the nest in order to see 
whether the coast was clear, and was spied by the lion, 
who made a dash at the tree. The man shrank back 
behind the nest, but his imprudent movement brought its 
own punishment. 
Knowing that the ascent of the tree was impossible, 
and at the same time unwilling to leave its prey, the lion 
sat down at the foot of the tree, and kept watch upon the 
man. Hour after hour the lion mounted guard over its 
prisoner, until thirst overpowered hunger, and the animal 
was forced reluctantly to quit its post and seek for water. 
