444 pN VARIOUS PARTS 



not from some hole or cavern where they had laid themselves 

 up for the winter ? Surely it will not be asserted that these 

 birds migrate back again from some distant tropical region, 

 merely on the appearance of a fine day or two at this late 

 season of the year. Again, very early in the spring, and 

 sometimes immediately after very cold severe weather, on its 

 growing a little warmer, a few of these birds suddenly make 

 their appearance, long before the generality of them are seen. 

 These appearances certainly favour the opinion of their pass- 

 ing the winter in a 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 revivi- 

 fication they constantly die. MARKWICK. 



SWALLOWS, CONGREGATING AND DISAPPEAR- 

 ANCE 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 hirun- 

 dines on the church and tower are very beautiful and amusing ! 

 When they fly off together from the roof, on any alarm, they 

 quite swarm 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 mar- 



