NATURAL HISTORY. 



237 



With these the tnartin readily concurred, 



A church begot, u.nd church-believing hird ; 



Of little body, but of lofty mind. 



Round belly d for a dignity design d. DRYDEN. 



716. How is a swallow enabled to build its nest on a perpendicular 

 wall where there is no projection underneath ? 



The bird partly clings with its 

 claws, and partly supports itself 

 by strongly inclining its tail 

 against the wall t making that 

 a fulcrum, and, thus steadied, 

 it works, and plasters the 

 materials into the face of the 

 brick or stone. 



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717. Why do martins and swallows prefer to build their nests 

 near to and within the habitations of man? 



These tribes, living almost entirely upon insects, it is most 

 probable that such localities afford them, during their summer 

 residence, the most abundant supply of food. 



718. Doubtless birds understand who are their friends ; the swallows, swifts, and 

 martins have ever been favoured by man. Even the savage Indian welcomes them, 

 and provides a receptacle for their nests. The Chectaws and Chicasaws cut off all 

 the top branches from a sapling near their cabins, leaving the prongs a foot or two 

 in length, on each of which they hang a gourd or calabosh, properly hollowed out, 

 for their convenience ; and the negroes upon the banks of the Mississippi provide 

 similarly for them. The reason why swallows and martins have always been 

 protected by man, is probably because they are inveterate foes to crows, hawks, 

 and eagles. Although so small in size, they vigorously attack these depredators, 

 and seldom fail to come off victorious. Of course, the swallow is moved to this 

 degree of combativeness in defence of its nest and brood ; but, as a result, h&amp;lt;;, and 

 his friend the martin, have been from time immemorial recognised as excellent 

 guardians of the poultry yard. 



719. Why is the esculent swallow so called? 



Because both the bird and its nest form a favourite foni in 

 Java, Japan, and China. 



