GENERAL HABITS AND TRAITS OF SWALLOWS 405 



lows, perhaps alone of our birds, do we find that rare climax 

 of sociabi ity which the actual clustering of nests betokens; 

 and a colony of Cliff Swallows shows that a high degree of 

 communism is not incompatible with perfect decency and 

 decorum. Such free, impatient, and impulsive birds as Swal- 

 lows, one might fear, could not sustain too close relations with- 

 out at least occasional breaches of the peace ; but the harmony 

 remains unbroken. This surely speaks well for the disposition 

 of the birds, arguing many a good quality beyond mere amia- 

 bility ; it indicates forbearance, self-respect, fidelity in all re- 

 lations, and regard for another's rights ; it reasserts that liberty 

 does not mean license, and that freedom is to will to do right. 



Some who may be less interested in Swallows than I admit 

 myself to be, or lack a sentiment I am willing to betray, may 

 think the picture overdrawn, and ask for the other side of a 

 sliield that seems to me golden. If by this is meant, What are 

 the bad qualities of Swallows'? I must admit my incompetency 

 to reply. These birds are said by some to be irascible and 

 pugnacious. But quarrelsome they certainly are not, and their 

 quickness of temper is resolvable into the admirable spirit 

 they display in defence of their home and family. They are 

 said to show special animosity against cats — quite an antipathy, 

 in fact. Who wouldn't, under the circumstances ? Which 

 one of us, being a Swallow, could be expected to be fond of 

 cats? These timid and delicate birds sometimes make Puss 

 retire discomfited, such are the spirit and the vigor of their 

 onset against this prowling enemy. Their courage is nowadays 

 often called into action in defence of their homes against those 

 wretched interlopers, the European Sparrows. There is a dead- 

 lock here, and the feud is both bitter and relentless, in natural 

 consequence of the Sparrows' total depravity. The Purple 

 Martins, as I know, defend themselves against spoliation of 

 their homes with success, and I hear that even the much weaker 

 White-bellied Swallows, whose action in protecting themselves 

 against outrage I have had no opportunity of studying, have 

 proven no less valiant. I wish that the same could be said of 

 some other birds which the Sparrows attack, harass, and turn 

 out of doors ; and to the Swallows in particular, — to every pair 

 of these lovable birds that may nestle with us, — I wish success 

 in resisting invasion, peace, plenty, and every joy that can fill 

 their gentle breasts. 



