420 
NESTS OF OCEAN-BIRDS. 
nest-hunters. A vigorous tree grows near the edge, and spreads its 
branches over the ocean-abyss. By cautiously clinging to one of these, 
the adventurous traveller, looking below him, 
• may discover the salanganes — apparently no 
larger than big bees — fluttering about the face 
of the cliff. The hunters descend, one by one, 
by means of a rope some ninety fathoms in 
length. Whoso loses his grasp is lost ! On 
reaching the interior of the cave in safet}^ 
they are menaced by the rush and whirl of 
the waters. There are inner caves, and they 
are accessible in no other way. The men 
engaged in this perilous occupation, before 
descending, partake of a solemn repast, with 
a small quantity of opium, invoke the goddess 
Njai Kidul, and place before her image an 
abundant offering: of rice. 
NESTS OF OCEAN-BIRDS. 
In describing the ocean-birds, we have alluded 
<,! generally to their nests, but these are 
eldom other than the clefts and 
THE HOODED MERGANSER. 
