Ornithology of the Mediten'anean. 283 



appearance from the cool depths below. I could certainly have 

 shot twenty a day, without exciting myself about them. 



64. Chimney-Swallow. {Hirundo rustica.) 



On the whole of the N.E. coast during the summer. They 

 arrive in Malta about March 20th. I once saw a flock in Santa 

 Maura as late as Decemberj and I have frequently known them 

 visit the ship at sea. 



65. House-Martin. {Hirundo urbica.) 



I have shot this bird in Corfu during the summer, when it is 

 pretty plentiful. 



66. Sand-Martin. {Hirundo riparia.) 

 Common in Malta during the migratory season. 



67. Swift. {Cypselus apus.) 



On the whole of the north-east coast during summer. 



68. Common Night- Jar. {Caprimulgus europaus.) 

 Rather common in Malta, where they arrive about March 20th 



on their northerly migration. They roost in the locust-bean 

 trees during the day. 



69. Rock-Dove. {Columba livia.) 



Breeds in great quantities in the cliffs of Malta and Filfola, 

 where it is joined by many Domestic Pigeons who have reverted 

 to their original state of wildness. 



70. TuRTLE-DovE. {Columba turtur.) 



A very common bird during the summer on the coasts and 

 islands of the Mediterranean. I have seen them in Syria, 

 Rhodes, Candia, the Ionian Islands, and Greece in abundance. In 

 calm spring nights they fly over from Africa to Europe, arriving 

 there towards the end of April. Indeed, there is no doubt that 

 this is the bird mentioned by the Shulamite in Solomon's Song, 

 when she makes her lover say, " The flowers appear on the 

 earth ; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice 

 of the Turtle is heard in our land." 



71. Collared Turtle-Dove. {Columba risoria.) 



A friend saw one or two in the south of Syria ; but they never 

 came under my notice. 



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