The weeping-willow bears no fruit of that size.

They were not fruit.

They were _nests of birds_! Yes; they were the nests of a colony of harmless finches of the genus _Ploceus_,--better known to you under the appellation of "weaver-birds." I am sure you have heard of weaver-birds before this; and you know that these creatures are so-called on account of the skill which they exhibit in the construction of their nests.

They do not _build_ nests, as other birds, but actually _weave_ them, in a most ingenious manner.
You are not to suppose that there is but one species of weaver-bird--one kind alone that forms these curious nests.

In Africa--which is the principal home of these birds--there are many different kinds, forming different genera, whose hard names I shall not trouble you with.