146 THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS 



of" tliese appcuclages. They are, however, fashionocl in a very peculiar 

 manner, and are better suited for clinging or hanging than for walking; 

 instead of one of the toes being directed backwards, as is the casft 

 with most birds, they all point forward, and have the claws turned 

 up beneath. It might be supposed that the feet, being thus cramped 

 and unfitted for terrestrial locomotion, would cause the Swift much 

 inconvenience, especially when it has to collect materials for its nest; 

 but when so engaged it continues on the wing, adroitly picking up 

 any substance it may require with its beak as it passes. The nest is 

 generally placed in holes and crevices at a great height in towers 

 and steeples, as also under the eaves of houses and barns, and in 

 the sides of cliffs and chalk-pits. It is large, shallow, and roughly 

 constructed of twigs, straws, grass, hair, and feathers. The Swift builds 

 in the same spot year after year. The eggs are usually two, but 

 sometimes three in number; they are pure white, and avei-age about 

 an inch in length. Only one brood is reared in the season, the 

 young being hatched towards the end of June, so that by the time 

 they are well able to fly the period of their migration has arrived. 



This bird also goes by the names of the Black Martin, Screecli, 

 Screech Martin, Screamer, Cran, and Squealer; in some parts of the 

 country it is known as the Deviling, a term probably suggested by 

 its sooty plumage and unearthly cry. Of the Swallow tribe that visit 

 this country the Swift is the largest, being about seven inches in 

 length, and nearly eighteen inches across the expanded wings. Its 

 weight seems disproportionate to its size, not exceeding one ounce. 

 The whole plumage is blackish brown, with a greenish metallic tinge, 

 with the exception of a small patch of greyish white under the chin. 



THE SWALLOW, 



{Hirtmdo riislica.) 

 PLATE IX.— FIGUEE IV. 



Theee is no bird, with the appearance and habits of which we are 

 better acquainted than the Common Swallow. We hail his arrival 

 with delight, for he is the announcer of approaching summer, and we 

 observe his preparations for departure with sadness, knowing that when 

 he is gone, all the brightness and beauty of the year will shortly 

 vanish also, for gloomy cheerless winter is at hand. But apart from 



