THE SOCIABLE WEAVER BIRD. 
253 
They carry this grass to some suitable tree, which is usually 
a species of acacia, called by the Dutch colonists Kameel- 
dorn f Acacia giraffd), because the giraffe, which the Dutch 
persist in calling a kameel or camel, is fond of grazing on the 
leaves. 
The birds then hang the Booschmannie grass over a suitable 
branch, and by means of weaving and plaiting it, they form a 
roof of some little size. Under this roof are placed a quantity 
of nests, increasing in number with each successive brood. The 
nests are set closely together, so that at last they look like a 
mass of grass pierced with numerous holes, and it is really 
wonderful that the birds should be able to find their way to 
their own particular homes. To human eyes, the nests are as 
much alike as the houses in a modern street, before the blinds, 
the flowers, and other additions have communicated an indi- 
viduality to each dwelling ; but, notwithstanding this similarity, 
the inmates glide in and out without any hesitation. 
Although the same nest-mass is occupied for several succes- 
sive 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 W eaver 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, 
