THE SWIFT. 



The black martin, or screech martin, is also a name 

 of this bird, which frequents steeples, towers, and other 

 lofty buildings, in the holes of which it makes its nest ; 

 but it will sometimes build under the tiles of houses and 

 barns. The nest is made of dried grass, lined with 

 feathers, which the bird, seldom alighting on the ground 

 for any purpose, collects on the wing, sweeping them 

 very dexterously from the earth. While the female is 

 sitting, the male is continually flying to and fro from 

 the spot, and making a screeching noise, which is its 

 only note. In very warm weather these birds soar to a 

 great height ; but in cold or moist weather they fly low, 

 in search of flies and other insects, which at that time 

 cannot ascend. 



Birds destroy insects in great numbers; and thus, 

 clearing, as they do, the air, they ought to be preserved 

 from molestation. Even one will consume an immense 

 quantity of flies in a short space of time ; and were it 

 not for such services, we should often be exposed to 



