18 



THE USEFUL BIRDS 



pursued, and presenting an appearance as of comet-like 

 objects floating rapidly through the air, chattering incessantly. 

 Secondly, the male is a vocalist v/ith a considerable amount 

 of ability, for if the sun be shining, as it often does at that 



House-Swallows. 



time in this bright country of ours, he produces a strain of 

 music continuous for many minutes, the while resting upon a 

 post or other suitable object. As it now wishes to choose a 

 partner for the next and following months, it must needs be 



