THE SAND MAETIN. 



145 



horizontal holes of sufficient depth for the nest. These 

 are of various lengths, extending from 18 inches to 3 

 feet ; and at the end, which is somewhat enlarged, the nest, 

 consisting of dry grass and a few feathers, is built. The 

 eggs, which are from four to six in number, are pure white. 

 Mr. Hardy mentions the following amongst the numerous 

 breeding-places of the Sand Martin in the county : — Near 

 Eedheugh ; on the coast near Billsdean ; in the cliff near 

 Saltpan-hall ; on the Whitadder at East Blanerne ; on the 

 Eye below Quixwood ; near Butterdean ; sand-pit at Horseley 

 road ; on Heriot Water below Stockbridge ; above Tower 

 Wood ; and quarry at Paddock Clench. It likewise nests 

 in a sand-pit at Paxton ; on the Tweed at Sunnyside, near 

 Milne Graden ; on the sandy banks of the Dye, between the 

 junction of that stream with the Whitadder and Dye 

 Cottage ; on the banks of the Blackadder, at Black Castle 

 Eings ; and at Caldra. 



The food consists entirely of insects, to secure which the 

 bird frequents the neighbourhood of streams. 



It leaves earlier in the autumn than the Chimney 

 Swallow and the Martin, and very little is known regarding 

 its winter quarters. 



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VOL. I. 



