THE WINDOW-SWALLOW. 



41 



of the sun may not crack and destroy their nests ; 

 but instances are also remembered where they bred 

 for many years in vast numbers in a hot, stifled inn- 

 yard, against a wall facing to the south. Birds in 

 general are wise in their choice of situation ; but in 

 this neighbourhood, every summer, is seen a strong 



The Window- Swallow (Hirundo ubicd). 



proof to the contrary at a house without eaves in an 

 exposed district, where some martins build year by 

 year in the corners of the windows. But as the 

 corners of these windows (which face to the south- 

 east and southwest) are too shallow, the nests are 

 washed down every hard rain ; and yet these birds 

 D 2 



