MARTIN. 



227 



downy white feathers ; claws curved, sharp, and of a greyish 

 horn colour. 



The whole length rather exceeding five inches and one 

 quarter. From the carpal joint to the end of the first quill- 

 fcather of the wing, which is the longest, four inches and one 

 quarter. 



There is but little distinction between the sexes. Females 

 and young birds of the year, are not so pure in colour above, 

 and the chin and throat are of soiled or greyish white. 



White varieties of the JNIartin are sometimes obtained. 



The vignette below represents the edible nest of the Chi- 

 nese Swallow. These nests, which look something like isin- 

 glass, arc, when quite clean, dissolved in soup to thicken and 

 flavour it ; of the dark coloured and dirty nests they make 

 fflue. — Latham. 



