404 OBSERVATIONS ON BIRDS. 



for their support. That they can retire to rest, and sleep away 

 these uncomfortable periods, as bats do, is a matter rather to be 

 suspected than proved ; or do they not rather spend their time in 

 deep and sheltered vales near waters, where insects are more likely 

 to be found ? Certain it is, that hardly any individuals of this 

 genus have at such times been seen for several days together. 



Sept. 1 3th, 1791. The congregating flocks of hirundines on the 

 church and tower are very beautiful and amusing ! When they 

 fly off together from the roof, on any alarm, they quite swarm in 

 the air. But they soon settle in heaps, and preening their feathers, 

 and lifting up their wings to admit the sun, seem highly to enjoy 

 the warm situation. Thus they spend the heat of the day, pre- 

 paring for their emigration, and, as it were, consulting when and 

 where they are to go. The flight about the churcn seems to con- 

 sist chiefly of house- martins, about 400 in number ; but there are 

 other places of rendezvous about the village frequented at the 

 same time. 



It is remarkable that though most of them sit on the battlements 

 and roof, yet many hang or cling for some time by their claws 

 against the surface of the walls, in a manner not practised by 

 them at any other time of their remaining with us. 



The swallows seem to delight more in holding their assemblies 

 on trees. 



November 3rd, 1789. Two swallows were seen this morning at 

 Newton vicarage-house, hovering and settling on the roofs and out- 

 buildings. None have been observed at Selborne since October nth. 

 It is very remarkable, that after the hirundines have disappeared 

 for some weeks, a few are occasionally seen again ; sometimes, 

 in the first week in November, and that only for one day. Do 

 they not withdraw and slumber in some hiding-place in the 

 interval ? For we cannot suppose they had emigrated to warmer 

 climes and so returned again for one day. Is it not more probable 

 that they are awakened from sleep, and like the bats, are come 

 forth to collect a little food ? Bats appear at all seasons through 

 the autumn and spring months, when the thermometer is at 50, 

 because then phalsenae and moths are stirring. 



These swallows looked like young ones. WHITE. 



