348 
THE SAVAGE WORLD. 
wards while it stands on one foot. As this habit was observed while the bird 
was in captivity, and its range so circumscribed as to prevent the exhibition 
of all its instincts, Woods’ assertion may well be questioned, especially in the 
light of other observations to the contrary. 
The mounds are invariably protected from the full rays of the sun by 
being located within the shelter of densely leaved trees, otherwise the 
moisture of 
the heap 
would be too 
rapidly dis¬ 
pelled. When 
the mound is 
completed the 
bird digs a 
hole in the 
centre to a 
depth of six 
or seven feet, 
though the 
excavation is 
rarely verti¬ 
cal, but rather 
tortuous, and 
s o m etimes, 
though the 
SOCIABLE WEAVER BIRDS. , . & 1 
hole may be 
seven feet deep, the eggs are not more than 
three feet below the surface. Mr. Gilbert, who 
has made a study of the habits of this bird, 
says : 
“ The birds are said to lay but a single 
egg in each hole, and after the egg is deposited, 
the earth is immediately thrown down lightly 
until the hole is filled up; the upper part of 
the mound is then smoothed and rounded over. 
It is easily known where a jungle-fowl has been recently excavating, from the 
distinct impression of its feet on the top and sides of the mound; and the 
earth being so lightly thrown over, that with a slender stick the direction of 
the hole is readily detected, the ease or difficulty of thrusting the stick down 
indicating the length of time that may have elapsed since the bird’s operations. 
“ Thus far it is easy enough, but to reach the eggs requires no little 
exertion and perseverance. The natives dig them up with their hands alone, 
and only make sufficient room to admit their bodies and to throw out the 
earth between their legs. By grubbing with their fingers alone, they are 
enabled to feel the direction of the hole with greater certainty, which will 
sometimes, at a depth of several feet, turn off abruptly at right angles, its 
direct course being obstructed by a clump of wood or some other impediment.” 
Mr. Gilbert upon one occasion found a jungle-fowVs tumulus in which 
there was a single young one almost ready to leave the nest. It was the size 
1 
