PURPLE MARTIN 79 



Sparrows, soiuc few _\ears ago erected in his xard 

 a large pole with cross-])ieces, from which he sus- 

 pended, ])}• l)rass wire chains, each about eighteen 

 inches long, a number of boxes, in which the Mar- 

 tins, also Wrens and riluel)ir(ls, nest without any 

 trtjuble from their feathered enemy. The swa_\ing 

 motion of these pendent boxes appears to frighten 

 the Sparrows, as not one has ever been observed to 

 alight on or enter them." (Warren.) 



Besides the Martin's cheerful twittering, he has a 

 loud musical call chcc-ii. several times repeated, and a 

 charming, liquid, warlding song; his flight is swift 

 and graceful, he devours cjuantities of insects, espe- 

 cially mos(|uitoes, was])S, bees and beetles, and is alto- 

 gether a most desirable neighbor. 



