OF NATURE. 245 



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. 



Novembers, 1789. Two swallows were 

 seen this morning at Newton vicarage- 

 house, hovering and settling on the roofs 

 and out-buildings. None have been ob- 

 served at Selborne since October 11. 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 during the 

 interval? for we cannot suppose they had 

 migrated to warmer climes and so returned 

 again for one day. Is it not more probable 

 that they are awakened from sleep, and 

 R 2 



