On Hybernation.  t 
understood and practised by themselves call forth, all our 
admiration. oe 
in ornithology no individual member of the unily 
excited more interest or more discussion the swallow 
(hirundo.) Its immersion has often been asserted, and as 
often contradicted. The archbisho psala was the 
first person who suggested the idea that this bird oullal its 
winter beneath the icy wave, and he asserts that they are 
frequently found in massive clusters in northern lakes; but 
all this is just as true as what the learned archbishop says 
about showers of mice. Linnzeus was of opinion that the 
chimney swallow and the martin immersed themselves, but 
that the swifts or common swallow of Europe hybernated 
‘in church towers, &c. Many other naturalists of emi- 
nence have maintained the same idea, but I do not believe 
it to be upheld by one well attested fact, and I hope to 
seit it to be equally contrary to truth, as it is ore. to 
reason 
If we examine the conformation of the common swallow, 
(Hirundo Americana,) we find that every part of it is pe- 
culiarly fitted for flight, and it certainly is one of the most 
rapid of birds. Having therefore the power of locomo- 
tion fo so great a degree, why should we suppose it to 
leave its aerial element and sportive joyous windings, to 
remain in an insensible state for seven months in a muddy 
and watery bed? It has been urged that we do not see it 
on its flight to the south like the pigeon and othe birds ; 
but the minute observer is not less sure of th 
in the evening to pass over our low grounds skim ; 
surface of the fields to the south in such numbers that h 
dreds have been counted in a minute, their rap zht con- 
veying them in a few hours toa more c 
ture. The —_— > 2 migration of 
we consider the g ity o: ir fi 
lowing ociay to be at tthe saedt, his ight was ’perhap, 
Vou. IX.—No. 1. 11 
