vines; he then
rapidly plaited, from the grass growing near, a rough basket, which he
fastened to his belt. Taking the vines, he now twisted them in the form
of a hoop round the tree, leaving sufficient space to admit his own body
between the trunk and the hoop; holding the hoop in both hands, he
jerked the side furthest from himself upwards. He then cut with his
hatchet a notch for his feet, and then gave another jerk, and cut
another notch, and thus up he went until he reached the branch.

The boys had never seen their black companion perform this feat before,
and felt no little fear that he might slip down. It was wonderful with
what rapidity he went up, evidently feeling himself perfectly secure.
In a few minutes he returned, having cut a large comb of honey out of a
hole high up in the tree, the owners of which were seen hovering about
their rifled abode. Having descended, he handed his prize to Paul, who,
placing it on a slip of bark, which served as a dish, served it on
leaves to his companions, with whom he shared it.

Without waiting to be complimented for his performance, of which he
seemed to think nothing, the black again started off, and ascended
another tree, towards which his quick eye had detected some bees flying.

The young explorers, who had eaten nothing for some hours, set to with a
will, and quickly devoured the first comb, wax and all, being ready for
the second, which Bendigo soon brought them. He again came back with a
third, which, however, they could not attack, so he ate the greater
portion himself, giving the remainder to Bruce, who gobbled it up with
evident satisfaction.

"Plenty of food now," said Bendigo, as he led his companions from tree
to tree, some of which were oaks, and others honeysuckles. Wherever
there was a hole in the trunk it was occupied by a colony of bees. The
insect which makes this honey is exactly like a common house-fly in
appearance, the combs being generally small and the wax quite black.
The cells into which the comb is divided are two or three times larger
than those of the English bee, and are roundish and irregular in shape,
but the honey is very good, being sweet, and having besides a slight
pleasantly acid taste. As these bees possessed no sting, they could be
robbed with impunity of the result of their industry. Since that time
English bees have swarmed in prodigious numbers over the country, and
now afford ample food to whites and blacks alike.