THE SWALLOW. 329 



for enquiry whether they re-migrate to their 

 former haunts, to the sunny groves of Greece or 

 the sands of Africa, or whether they take a shorter 

 flight, to skim over the vineyards of France or the 

 fertile plains of Andalusia. Go, however, where 

 they may, it is only for a short time. When the 

 balmy and cheerful month of May arrives, and we 

 enjoy soft breezes, and see the beauteous flowers 

 expanding, and all Nature rejoicing in its reno- 

 vated existence, then the pretty swallow reappears 

 to gladden us again with his presence. 



The migration of swallows, the places of their 

 resort, their sudden appearance and disappearance, 

 is still involved in much mystery. It is to be re- 

 gretted that travellers in different countries have 

 not taken more notice of the habits of these inte- 

 resting birds, as to their arrival and departure. In 

 North and South America, the East and West 

 Indies, the Cape of Good Hope, and, in fact, in 

 almost every part of the known world, the swallow 

 has its stated periods of migration and reappear- 

 ance. There may certainly be some exceptions. 

 An observant naturalist has assured me that he 

 has seen swallows in this country every month of 

 the year except January. I have already men- 

 tioned having seen them as late as the seventh of 

 December. 



Although I have only on one occasion seen the 

 arrival of my favourite birds, I have on several oc- 



