122 INSESSORES. 
There are some species of Swallows which are re- 
markable for the beauty of their plumage, as well as 
for the gracefulness of their flight. The Violet Green 
Swallow and the Whitc-bellied Swallow,—the former 
an inhabitant of the Rocky Mountains, and the latter 
quite an abundant species in the Eastern and Middle 
States,—are both entitled to a high rank among our 
gay-plumaged birds. We have also the Purple Mar- 
tin, a very familiar and welcome bird in the Spring. 
When seen at a distance, it appears to be wholly 
black, but upon closer inspection it will be found to 
glisten all over with the most pleasing metallic hues, 
changing from blue to green, and from violet to 
golden purple, according to the position in which it 
is seen. 
The Swallows possess undoubtedly greater powers 
of wing than any other birds. The space passed over 
in a few minutes by one of these little fairies is as- 
tonishing. Take for instance the Barn Swallow, and 
endeavor to follow him with the eye through all his 
curves and zigzag lines, as he darts about over some 
new-mown field; so rapid are his movements, that 
the keenest and quickest vision is often baffled in the 
attempt to retain its hold upon him,—and yet he flits 
on untiringly, mounting and falling, skimming and 
sailing, until the eye tires of his endless circuit. 
The old nest on the ledge was examined, but the young 
partner possibly desiring a new home, the clothes-screen, 
which was hanging in the same position it had occupied the 
first year, was selected for the nest, and soon the process 
of hatching and rearing the first brood was in progress. 
