§44 Home Nature-Study Course. 



are injiirious to our farms and gardens. They are delightful birds to have around, 

 and we may possibly induce them to come back to us by building houses for 

 them and driving away the sparrows. 



THE CHIMNEY SWIFT. 



When the old-fashioned fireplaces went out of use and were walled 

 up leaving the great old chimneys useless, these sociable birds took 

 possession of them. Here they built their nests and reared their young 

 and twittered and scrambled about awaking all sleepers in their neighbor- 

 hood at early hours in the morning, and in many ways made themselves 

 a distinct part of the family life. With the disappearance of these old 

 chimneys and the growing use of the smaller chimney, the swifts have 

 been more or less driven from their close association with people, and 

 now their nests are often found in hay barns or other secluded buildings, 

 although they still gather in chimneys when opportunity offers. 



References. — Familiar Wild Animals, Lottridge; Second Book of Birds, 

 Miller; Chapman's Hand-Book of Birds; Bird Neighbors, Blanchan. 



Lesson LII. 

 the chimney swift. 



Purpose. — To teach the pupils to distinguish the chimney swift from 

 the true swallows and to become familiar with its habits and appearance. 



Observations: 



(i). Where do the chimney swifts build their nests? 



(2). Of what material is the nest made? 



(3). Describe the shape of the nest and how it is supported. 



(4). Where does the chimney swift get its glue? 



(5). Describe the chimney swifts entering their nesting places at 

 nightfall. 



(6). Where and how do the chimney swifts roost? 



(7). Describe the shape of this bird's tail and its use in roosting. 



(8). On what does the chimney swift feed and how does it procure 



its food? 



(9). Describe how the beak of the swift is adapted for getting its 

 particular food? 



(10). How can you tell the chimney swift from the swallows? 



(11). In what respects does the chimney swift resemble the swallows? 



Facts for the teacher. — The Chimney Swifts originally built nests in hollow trees 

 and caves but as civilization advanced they took possession of the chimneys which 



