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PURPLE MAETIN. 



AMERICAN PURPLE MARTIN. 

 PLATE LXII. 



Hirundo purpurea, WILSON. AUDUBON. 



NIDIFICATION commences in April or May, according as the place 

 halted at is farther or otherwise on the 'Great North Road/ 



The nest is made of leaves, hay, straw, or feathers, in considerable 

 quantity. 



The eggs are about four in number, small for the size of the bird, 

 and pure white, without any spots. The first brood appears in May, 

 the second late in July. Both the male and female birds assist in the 

 work of incubation; the former relieving and attending on the latter 

 with much careful tenderness. 



The figure of the egg is from a specimen sent by J. M. Pease, Esq., 

 North Lodge, Darlington. 



