38 THE ARCHITECTURE OF BIRDS. 
around the neck of a bottle. The species arrive in 
the west, from the south, early in April, and imme- 
diately begin to construct their symmetrical nests, 
which are perfected by their united and industrious 
‘efforts. At the dawn of day they commence their 
labours by collecting the necessary mud from the 
‘borders of the rivers and ponds adjacent, and they 
persevere in their work until near midday, when 
they relinquish it for some hours, and amuse them- 
selves by sporting in the air, pursuing insects, &c. 
As soon as the nest acquires the requisite firmness, 
it is completed, and the female begins to deposite her 
eggs, four in number, which are white spotted with 
dusky brown. The nests are extremely friable, and 
will readily crumble to pieces; they are assembled 
in communities, as represented in the engraving. 

Nest of the Cliff Swallow ( Hirundo fulva, Vie 1L.or’). 
In unsettled countries, these birds select a sheltered 
situation, under a projecting ledge of rock; but in 
civilized districts, they have already evinced a pre- 
