BRITISH BIRDS. 3 I 



It is possible, of course, to preserve these birds in the 

 house, but even when reared by hand they do not seem 

 happy or satisfied in confinement, which is only natural on 

 account of their exceedingly shy and retiring disposition ; 

 and, being so exceedingly useful, it seems a pity to disturb 

 them. 



Whether kept in cage or aviary, they should always be 

 provided with a snug box or covered basket to sleep in, for 

 they never roost of their own accord in the open, and are 

 exceedingly impatient of cold. 



THE SWALLOWS. 



All the species belonging to this family are migra- 

 tory, arriving in Britain from warmer climates in 

 spring to breed, and returning to their southern home 

 when that important function has been accomplished. 



Fam i ly — Him ndin idee. 



Genus — Hirimdo. H. rustica. Swallow. 



H, urbica. Martin. 



H, riparia. Sand-martin. 



Swallow. — This exceedingly handsome and most graceful 

 bird is of a steel blue colour on all the upper surface of the 

 body, except the forehead, which, with the throat, is chest- 

 nut brown ; the breast is white, with a ruddy tinge in the 

 centre, which deepens towards the vent and under the tail 

 coverts ; the wings are long and narrow, and the long tail 

 is deeply forked ; the feet are very short and small, of a 

 leaden grey colour, and have small prehensible power ; the 

 bill is black. Length, 8| inches. The wings expand to a 

 width of 14 inches, and reach to the middle of the tail. 



