OF VICTORIA. 25 



activity among the winged insects. While the Fairy- 

 Martin feeds in a lower stratum, upon the rivers, and the 

 swifts in a high stratum of air, this species works the 

 intermediate one. That is to say, different kinds of 

 insects which live in different strata of air have different 

 kinds of swallows to keep them in subjection, although 

 a theory of this nature is perhaps better taken in a 

 general way. It is strengthened by substituting the 

 House Swallow for the Tree Martin. 



There is a Black and White Swallow (Cheramceca) that 

 occasionally is seen in the Wimmera, but only on rare 

 occasions. The classical name leads one to believe it eats 

 Phylloxera, which I have no doubt it does when 'winged. 



Two species of swifts visit us annually, in November and 

 December, and stay till February. A Swift has never 

 been known to rest upon its feet in Victoria, and only a 

 doubtful one in Australia. They breed in China, and are 

 so rapid in flight that they can breakfast in Asia and dine 

 in Australia on the same day. 



Nest. — Hollow of a tree limb, with decayed wood as a 



Eggs. — White, spotted with reddish brown at larger end, 

 more or less. Three to a sitting. Length, 0*75 inch ; 

 breadth, 0.5 inch. 



