The Swift. 



THE SWIFT, (Cypselus apus,) 



WHICH is sometimes called the Black Martin, arrives in 

 England later, and takes its departure earlier than any 

 of our swallows. The Swift is the largest of the swallow 

 tribe, and the most rapid in its flight, Its nest, which is 

 generally built in the crevices of old towers and steeples, 

 is constructed of dried grass, feathers, thread, and similar 

 materials, glued together by a sort of spittle, with which 

 the bird is provided. The bird collects them whilst on 

 the wing, picking them up with great dexterity. They 

 seldom alight upon the ground, and if by accident they 

 fall upon a level surface, they recover themselves with 

 difficulty, owing to the shortness of their legs, and the 

 length of their wings. During the heat of the day they 

 remain within their holes, and at morning and evening 

 sally out in quest of food. They may then be seen in 

 flocks, whirling round some lofty edifice, or describing 

 in mid-air an endless series of circles upon circles. Swifts 

 fly higher, and wheel with bolder wing than the swal- 

 lows, with whom they never intermingle. 



