A REPUBLIC OF BIRDS. 
405 
search of water. Thereupon the man effected his escape with all possible 
celerity. 
What a suggestive subject would this republic of birds have proved 
to Plato, had he but been acquainted with it ! With what images and 
illustrations it would have supplied Shakespeare ! It seems to be 
animated by a spirit of the most entire equality ; it has not even an 
elective chief One bird is as good as another ; and all have an equal 
voice in the affairs of the society. They appear, moreover, to live on 
terms of admifable harmony, realizing to the full that description of 
" little birds agreeing in their nests " which has hitherto been regarded 
as an amiable poetic fancy. It is true they are united by one of the 
strongest bonds, that of self-interest ; for it is only by union that they 
are strong — only by union that they are able to defy the attacks of the 
monkeys which rob their eggs, and the snakes which rob both birds 
and young. The structure of the great nest raised by their combined 
and accumulated efforts proves, however, a tolerably effective safe- 
guard against every enemy. And if self-interest should seem but an 
ignoble motive, it is only fair to remember that it secures peace and 
order in our bird-commonwealth, which is more than it can effect in 
human societies ! 
A word as to the architectural genius of the yellow oriole, or Ploceus 
ocularius, another of the African weavers. According to Captain 
Drayson, he is not quite the size of a thrush. His plumage is of a 
bright yellow, except the ends of the wings, which wear a brownish 
tint. As soon as a suitable locality has been found, he and his comrades 
begin to build with alacrity and cheerfulness ; and before long several 
hundred nests will be suspended from about a dozen trees, these being 
always close together. The nest is suspended to the most pliant 
branches, and in such a position that it overhangs the water, which is 
thus utilized both as a protection and for sanitary purposes. 
" The birds make a great disturbance when building, there being 
usually a regular fight in order to secure the best places. In building, 
the birds first commence by working some stout flags or reeds from 
the branch, so as to hang downwards. They then attach the upper 
