278 On the Swallow. 
Aware by this example of the danger of this situation, no attempt 
has ever been made to build in either corner of that window again. 
Nothing so much indicates superior understanding in the whole 
arranged dispositions of the swallow, or deserves so much atten- 
tion, as the order, regularity, and aetlied observed in the construc- 
tion and execution of their nests, their ceconomy and frugality in 
expediting the various operations by the division of labour, and 
taking the advantage of every wind that blows to accomplish the 
grand object ; their sagacity in selecting situations, and placing 
the entrance into the nest to leeward of the storm ; their wisdom 
in the choice and mixture of materials, and the wonderful art 
with which these are adapted to the different positions and change 
of form, regulated by existing circumstances ;—arrangements cer- 
tainly far beyond the power of instinct. 
When a situation has been once fixed upon for a new nest, be- 
fore a particle of building material is laid, every bearing of the 
intended site is minutely” examined by a few of the sages, during 
which a great deal of conversation and reasoning goes on ; plans 
are proposed, and one ultimately fixed upon before proceeding to 
the work. Matters being thus far adjusted, a number-collect— 
sometimes above a dozen—and form themselves into divisions, 
for the distribution of labour, before commencing operations ; the 
number assembled is always in proportion to the extent of work 
and number of nests to be carried on at the same time. I have 
known from two to five nests in a progressive state of forward- 
ness, all carrying forward at the same time by the same asso- 
ciated band of operators. 
When a place for mortar- making has been selected, the whole 
band commence operations by gathering a beakfull of chopped 
straw or hay, generally taken from dry horse droppings either 
about the field or from the high road; “with this they repair to 
the place appointed, and commence mor tar-making by mixing 
this with clayey soil, rendered additionally unctuous by their 
working it with their beaks ; and all, as ready, fly off with their 
load and begin building. When the foundation has attained 
the size of a : small walnut, one experienced builder remains sta- _ 
tionary, a proportionate number at the mortar hole, and a division 
of straw gatherers and carriers carry on the work till the weight 
and softness of the new made materials endanger the falling of 
the whole. Then, this nest is left off, and time in proportion to 
the state of the weather given for it to harden firm and dry, and 
the whole band goes to the next; and after carrying it a similar 
length, leaves it in the same manner, for the same purpose, and 
goes to the third, the fourth, a fifth, and again returns in rota- 
tion to the first, and so going repeatedly over the whole till the 
labour is completely accomplished. During the whole of these ope- 
rations 
. 
