But the true weaver-birds--that is to say, those which are considered the _type_ of the class,--are those of the genus _Ploceus_; and it was a species of this genus that had hung their pendulous habitations upon the weeping-willow.

They were of the species known as the "pensile weaver-bird" (_Ploceus pensilis_).
There were full twenty of their nests in all, shaped as already described, and of green colour--for the tough "Bushman's grass," out of which they had been woven, had not yet lost its verdant hue, nor would it for a long time.

Being of this colour, they actually looked like something that grew upon the tree,--like great pear-shaped fruits.

No doubt from this source have been derived the tales of ancient travellers, who represented that in Africa were trees with fruits upon them, which, upon being broken open, disclosed to view either living birds or their eggs! Now the sight of the weaver-birds, and their nests, was nothing new to Truey.

It was some time since the colony had established itself upon the willow-tree, and she and they had grown well acquainted.