IIED-FRONTED SWALLOW. 569 



rect their attention to building, materials for which are col- 

 lected from the brinks of ponds, or the puddle in the lane. 

 Their manner of building is similar to that of the other species, 

 and the nest when finished resembles half a deep dish, and is 

 lined with short straws and feathers, the latter being often col- 

 lected when floating about on the wind. It is built under 

 arches, gateways, eaves, and water-spouts, against the beams, 

 rafters, and lintels ~of outhouses, and under wooden bridges. I 

 have seen nests of this species on the rocks about Tantallon 

 Castle, opposite the Bass. The only access which they often 

 have to their nest is through broken windows, holes in the 

 doors, and slits in the walls, which are sometimes so narrow 

 as barely to allow theui a passage. The roof which covers the 

 horse- wheel of the thrashing mill appears to be rather a favour- 

 ite retreat, where they attend to their several duties with the 

 most perfect nonchalance, in despite of the deafening rattle of 

 tbe machinery when at work. In this county, as you must 

 have observed, almost every farm of consequence has a steam- 

 engine, the usual height of the chimney-stalkof which is about 

 forty feet. A pair of Swallows bred in ours last season ; but 

 I have rarely observed them in such situations ; and no in- 

 stance of their building in the chimney of any dwelling-house 

 has ever come to my ears ! Although for some years back I 

 have not molested them in any way, they are distrustful of 

 man, and the sitting bird immediately leaves the nest on his 

 approach, the neighbours joining in the clamour raised by it, 

 until the intruder retires. Two years ago, one of the nests 

 here was robbed of its eggs, yet in a week after, the female was 

 again sitting on the usual number. ^Vhen a bird of prey ap- 

 pears, they sound their alarm-notes, resembling klee-hiiee, klee- 

 huee, the import of which every little bird understands ; their 

 dark glancing forms are seen cleaving the air with speed; 

 mounting obliquely they dash upon the back of the foe, and 

 rising perpendicularly continue the attack, until the tyrant of 

 the air abandons their hunting-grounds, and the gallant and 

 watchful guardians of the feathered tribes return with songs of 

 triumph. Grimalkin cantering along the top of the wall, is 

 treated in the same unceremonious manner. I have often, 



