The Natural History of Selborne 209 



that though some swallows did make their appearance about 

 the usual time, viz., the thirteenth or fourteenth of April, yet 

 meeting with an harsh reception, and blustering cold north- 

 east winds, they immediately withdrew, absconding for several 

 days, till the weather gave them better encouragement. x 



1 In all probability these swallows were either killed by the cold, 

 or else returned ^southward to wait for warmer weather. I think the 

 former. ED. 



