ON BIRDS. 359 



torpid state, but do not absolutely prove the fact ; 

 for who ever saw them reviving of their own accord 

 from their torpid state, without being first brought to 

 the fire, and, as it were, forced into life again ; soon 

 after which revivification, they constantly die. 



MARKWICK. 



SWALLOWS, CONGREGATING AND DISAPPEARANCE 

 OF, During the severe winds that often prevail late 

 in the spring, it is not easy to say how the hirundines 

 subsist ; for they withdraw themselves, and are hardly 

 ever seen, nor do any insects appear 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. 



September 13, 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, preparing for their 

 emigration, and, as it were, consulting when and 

 where they are to go. The flight about the church 

 seems to consist chiefly of house-martins, about four 

 hundred 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 



