HIVE KESTS. 
191 
as for additions and repairs. Though my short stay in 
the country was not sufficient to satisfy me hy ocular 
proof, that they added to their nests as they annually in- 
creased in their numbers, still from the many tress which 
I have seen borne down by the weight, and others that 
I have seen with their boughs completely covered over, 
it would appear that this is really the case. When the 
tree which is the support of this aerial city is obliged to 
give way to the increase of weight, it is obvious that they 
are no longer protected, and are under the necessity of 
building in other trees. One of these deserted nests I 
had the curiosity to break down, to inform myself of the 
internal structure of it ; and found it equally ingenious 
with that of the external. There are many entrances, 
each of which forms a regular street, with nests on both 
sides, at about two inches distance from each other. 
The grass with which they build is called the Bushman’s 
grass ; and I believe the seed of it to be tbeir principal 
food, though on examining their nests, I found the wings 
and legs of different insects. From every appearance, 
the nest which 1 dissected had been inhabited, for many 
years, and some parts were much more complete than 
others. This, therefore, 1 conceive to amount nearly to 
a proof, that the animals added to it at different times, 
as they found it necessary, from the increase of their 
family, or rather of the nation or community.” But we 
must here pause ; since our space will not permit us to 
prosecute this inviting subject farther. 
