HIRUNDINID^. 



88 



broods are reared in the course of tlie summer : of these 

 the first is usually ready to fly by the end of June, and 

 the second by the end of August. 



The Swallows have a short modulated strain, repeated 

 at intervals, always ending in a shrill note rapidly shaken. 

 Early in the morning they may be heard twittering from 

 the " clay-built shed," or from the chimney-top, and pre- 

 vious to the autumnal migration, when groups collect 

 together, they are voiceful, as if debating the great event 

 of their journey, whether the due time has come, or the 

 season will admit of linuferinfj; a little longer. 



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