to and from the caverns, which are generally surrounded with rocks of grey limestone or white marble.  The colour and value of the nests depend on the quantity and quality of the insects caught, and perhaps also on the situation where they are built.  Their value is chiefly ascertained by the uniform fineness and delicacy of their texture; those that are white and transparent being most esteemed, and fetching often in China their weight in silver.

“These nests are a considerable object of traffic among the Javanese, many of whom are employed in it from their infancy.  The birds, after having spent nearly two months in preparing their nests, lay each two eggs, which are hatched in about fifteen days.  When the young birds become fledged, it is thought the proper time to seize upon their nests, which is done regularly three times a year, and is effected by means of ladders of bamboo and reeds, by which the people descend into the caverns; but when these are very deep, rope-ladders are preferred.  This operation is attended with much danger, and several perish in the attempt.  The inhabitants of the mountains generally employed in this business begin always by sacrificing a buffalo, which custom is observed by the Javanese on the eve of every extraordinary enterprise.  They also pronounce some prayers, anoint themselves with sweet-scented oil, and smoke the entrance of the cavern with gumbenjamin.  Near some of the caverns a tutelar goddess is worshipped, whose priest burns incense, and lays his projecting hands on every person preparing to descend.  A flambeau is carefully prepared at the same time, with a gum which exudes from a tree growing in the vicinity, and which is not easily extinguished by fixed air or subterraneous vapours.”

“But how are the nests eaten, Uncle Thomas?  Are they prepared in any way, or are they fit for use as they are taken down?”

“They are always prepared before they are eaten.  The finest sort, which are of a clear colour, and not unlike isinglass, are dissolved in broth, to which they are said to give an exquisite flavour.  After being soaked, they are sometimes introduced into the body of a fowl and stewed; but I am not quite versed in all the mysteries of a Chinese kitchen, so you must be satisfied with these two modes of preparation.”

“Thank you, Uncle Thomas.”

“I have only one more story to tell you about the swallow, Boys, and then I must turn to two or three other animals, whose peregrinations exhibit as strong instances of instinct as it does.”

“A swallow’s nest, built in the west corner of a window facing the north, was so much softened by the rain beating against it, that it was rendered unfit to support the superincumbent load of five pretty full grown swallows.  During a storm the nest fell into the tower corner of the window, leaving the young brood exposed to all the fury of the blast.  To save the little creatures from an untimely death,