284 HIRUNDINID^. 



approaches tlie circular form. The depth varies from a few 

 inches to three feet, and the direction seems to depend on 

 the nature of the soil encountered. In all, however, the 

 extremity of the hole is enlarged to a diameter of five or 

 six inches, and is situated above the level of the entrance, 

 so that no rain-water can lodge. The work is performed 

 only in the mornings, and is consequently carried over 

 several days. The nest itself consists of straws of grass 

 and feathers, and is placed in the terminal chamber. The 

 eggs are five or six in number, pure white, and of a rather 

 long shape. 



AMERICAN PUEPLE MARTIK 



HIRUNDO PURPUREA. 



General plumage shining purple-blue ; wings and tail black. Female paler and 

 tinged with grey, lower parts light grey streaked with black. Length six 

 inches and three-quarters. Eggs pure white. 



This bird, as great a favourite in North America as the 

 Window-Martin is with us, has little claim to be con- 

 sidered a visitor of our shores, a few straggKng specimens 

 only having been seen in tliis country. Its habits in 

 America closely resemble those of its congeners. It builds 

 its nest in boxes constructed for the purpose, called 

 " Martin-boxes," and to each of these several pairs of 

 birds frequently resort, and rear their broods in perfect 

 harmony. They arrive in America at about the same 

 period when Swallows visit ns, and leave early in 

 August. 



