120 INSESSORES. 
stem. This was the place at which the Swallows en- 
tered. On closely examining the tree, I found it 
hard, but hollow to near the roots. It was now about 
four o’clock in the afternoon, in the-month of July. 
Swallows were flying over Jeffersonville, Louisville, 
and the woods around, but there were none near the 
tree. I proceeded home, and shortly after returned 
on foot. The sun was going down behind the Silver 
Hills; the evening was beautiful; thousands of 
Swallows were flying closely above me; and three or 
four at a time were pitching into the hole, like bees 
hurrying into their hive. I remained, my head lean- 
ing on the tree, listening to the roaring noise made 
within by the birds as they settled and arranged 
themselves, until it was quite dark, when I left the 
place, although I was convinced that many more had 
to enter. I did not pretend to count them, for the 
number was too great, and the birds rushed to the 
entrance so thick as to baffle the attempt. 
“ Next morning I was early enough to reach the 
place long before the least appearance of daylight, 
and placed my head against the tree. All was silent 
within. I remained in that posture probably twenty 
minutes, when suddenly I thought the great tree was 
giving way, and coming down upon me. Instine- 
tively I sprung from it; but when I looked up to it 
again, what was my astonishment to see it standing 
as firm as ever. The Swallows were now pouring out 
in a black, continuous stream. I ran back to my post, 
and listened in amazement to the noise within, which 
I could compare to nothing else than the sound of a 
