_ 
262 ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY. 
hear the Martin’s voice engaged in fight, all is alarm and conster- 
nation. To observe with what spirit and audacity this bird dives 
aud sweeps upon and around the Hawk or the Eagle is astonish- 
ing. He also bestows an occasional bastinading on the King-bird 
when he finds him too near his premises; though he will, at any 
time, instantly co-operate with him in attacking the common 
enemy. 
“The Martin differs from all the rest of our Swallows in the 
particular prey which he selects. Wasps, bees, large beetles, par- 
ticularly those called by the boys goldsmiths, seem his favorite 
game. I have taken four of these large beetles from the stomach 
of a Purple Martin, each of which seemed entire, and even 
unbruised. 
“The flight of the Purple Martin unites in it all the swiftness, 
ease, rapidity of turning, and gracefulness of motion of its tribe. 
Like the Swift of Europe, he sails much with little action of the 
wings. He passes through the most crowded parts of our streets, 
eluding the passengers with the quickness of thought; or plays 
among the clouds, gliding about at a vast height, like an aérial 
being. His usual note, pewo, peuo, peuo, is loud and musical; 
but is frequently succeeded by others more low and guttural. 
Soon after the 20th of August, he leaves Pennsylvania for the 
South.” 
In New England, this species begins to prepare its nest 
about the 20th of May: this is composed of dried grasses, 
leaves, and feathers, and is deposited usually in a box pre- 
pared for this purpose. The eggs are from four to six in 
number, of a pure-white color, and vary but little in form 
from exactly oval. Four specimens, collected in Connecti- 
cut, exhibit the following measurements: 1.04 by .70 inch, 
1 by .70 inch, 1 by .68 inch, .97 by .68 inch. Other speci- 
mens vary but little from these dimensions. Two broods 
are often reared in the season, and the period of incubation 
is fourteen days. 
In dismissing this family, it is hardly necessary, at this 
late day, to say a word in favor of their beneficial habits ; 
