122 INSESSORES. 



There are some species of Swallows which are re- 

 markable for the beauty of their plumage, as well as 

 for the gracefulness of their flight. The Violet Green 

 Swallow and the White-bellied Swallow, the former 

 an inhabitant of the Rocky Mountains, and the latter 

 quite an abundant species in the Eastern and Middle 

 States, are both entitled to a high rank among our 

 gay-plumaged birds. We have also the Purple Mar- 

 tin, a very familiar and welcome bird in the Spring. 

 When seen at a distance, it appears to be wholly 

 black, but upon closer inspection it will be found to 

 glisten all over with the most pleasing metallic hues, 

 changing from blue to green, and from violet to 

 golden purple, according to the position in which it 

 is seen. 



The Swallows possess undoubtedly greater powers 

 of wing than any other birds. The space passed over 

 in a few minutes by one of these little fairies is as- 

 tonishing. Take for instance the Barn Swallow, and 

 endeavor to follow him with the eye through all his 

 curves and zigzag lines, as he darts about over some 

 new-mown field ; so rapid are his movements, that 

 the keenest and quickest vision is often baffled in the 

 attempt to retain its hold upon him, and yet he flits 

 on untiringly, mounting and falling, skimming and 

 sailing, until the eye tires of his endless circuit. 



The old nest on the ledge was examined, but the young 

 partner possibly desiring a new home, the clothes-screen, 

 which was hanging in the same position it had occupied the 

 first year, was selected for the nest, and soon the process 

 of hatching and rearing the first brood was in progress. 



