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Bird -Lore 



succession, fluttering down, feet dropped, ready to settle lightly on the soft 

 mud. The moment the feet touched ground, the body and tail were well up, 

 so as not to soil those sleek feathers, and the wings extended straight over the 

 back, continually fluttering to keep the feet from sinking or sticking. Mouth- 

 fuls of the clay were quickly gathered, the wings continually shaking, and 

 soon the Swallow was off. Every one was busy, mostly mindful only of his 

 own affairs; but now and then a tiff occurred, where two wanted the same 

 spot. Every newcomer called softly, and those flying above and across 

 were musically happy. 



The nests are none too well fastened to the rafters, and a heavy rainstorm 

 at the wrong season destroys many of the young birds and eggs. The gather- 

 ing of the famihes and clans takes place early, so that late August sees the 

 majority gone for the season, to return again to their old homes with another 

 spring. 



CLIFF SWALLOWS GATHERING MUD 



