CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. I5I 



breeclina--season is over, the parents and young keep 

 together, thus forming a small flock. When hunting 

 for food they generally get somewhat scattered, but 

 on a signal to move on they all concentrate together 

 again, following in the wake of their leader. The 

 nest of this small species is a perfect work of art. 

 It is of large size, situated in the middle of a thick 

 whitethorn, holly, ivy, or furze bush, and takes a 

 considerable time in building ; it is oval and domed- 

 shape, composed of moss, wool, hair, lichens, etc., 

 being thickly felted together. The entrance to it is 

 at the side near the top, and it is lined with feathers. 

 Usual number of eggs — six to ten, but many more 

 have been recorded, these being probably two 

 clutches. " When sitting the long tail of the parent 

 bird is turned over her back and projects over her 

 head through the entrance hole " (H.S.) 



The specimen in the case was shot in Surrey. 



CASE 29. 



SWALLOW, HOUSE-MARTIN, SAND- 

 MARTIN, SWIFT, GREY WAGTAIL. 



The Swallow. 

 Order, Passeres. Family, HirundinidcB. 

 The Swallow is one of our most interesting 

 immigrants, and probably is first favourite among 

 our spring visitors. I think I can put it best in this 

 way : that the Swallow occupies the same place in 

 our affection in reoard to the summer that the 



