Natural History of the Island of Rathlin. 59 
of situation, for I invariably found it frequenting the range of white cliffs running 
along the north-western side of Church bay. ‘These have a southerly aspect ; and 
being formed almost entirely of limestone, become in summer good reflectors of heat, 
and, consequently, render the situation well adapted to the nests of the martin. These 
are placed against projecting masses of the rock, and built of mud and the usual 
materials. One of these birds which | shot had its mouth completely filled with in- 
sects, among which were a large dragon-fly, and one of the tipule. ‘The former was 
alive and apparently unhurt. How it had procured this insect, struck me at the time 
as singular, for the bird was killed on one of the rocks at least a mile distant from 
any marsh or pond, the usual residence of the dragon-fly. 
Swirr. (Cypselus murarius.) This bird I found in different parts of the island, 
in populous districts, and near barren and rocky cliffs. Although I saw it so often 
flying about the headlands on the sea-shore, and conjectured that it had its nest formed 
either in the earth at the summits of the cliffs, or in holes ready made in the rocks, 
I was unable to ascertain the fact, from the inaccessible height at which it usually re- 
mained. Mr. Selby thinks, that the cry made by swifts, when flying in small parties 
“near houses, steeples, &c. to be the consequence of irritability, excited by the highly 
electrical state of the atmosphere ; and not, as Mr. White supposed, a serenade to 
their respective families. From what Mr. Selby says, it would be imagined that the 
cry was only uttered in very sultry close weather with approaching thunder-storms, as 
these are the periods at which he mentions it as being heard. From the opinions of 
these justly celebrated naturalists, I should be inclined to differ, and suppose the 
scream to be uttered by the swift when in the enjoyment of the fine weather in which 
it delights, and when an abundant store of insects is afforded it, for at these times is its 
cry most audible. I have very frequently heard a flock screaming when no thunder- 
storm portended, and when the weather was particularly mild, though cool; and in 
some places where they abound, I have never seen them without hearing their scream. 
Mr. Selby’s remark may be, generally speaking, correct ; but in the north of Ireland, 
so far as my observation has extended, the opinion I have formed appears correct. 
TurusH. ( Furdus musicus.) One or two pairs are found on the island. 
Bracxsirp. (Zurdus merula.) About Mr. Gage’s house one or two are occa- 
sionally seen; they breed in the garden. 
Repgreast. (Sylvia rubecula.) Very rarely seen. 
Wren. (Troglodytes Europeus.) Very rare. 
Wueatear. (Saxicola enanthe.) This bird is very numerous on the island, and 
may be seen in almost every direction, flitting from stone to stone, or fence to fence. 
All situations seemed equally well adapted to it—the barren moor, the gravelly beach, 
or the rocky headland. It arrives on the island about April, and after performing the 
process of incubation, departs for a warmer region. Its nest is placed under a large 
stone, or in the crevices and interstices of rocks and fences. In July, the young 
