By going and coming a bird builds its nest. (Oji.)
Which latter may be compared with the Dutch proverb—
By slow degrees a bird builds its nest.
And all of them with the Chinese—
A mulberry-leaf becomes satin with time.
On the Force of Habit.
The thread follows the needle.
Its shell follows the snail wherever it goes. (Yoruba.)
As is the sword so is the scabbard. (Oji.)