144 LAND-BIRDS. 



may often be seen ; and, in fact, these wires seem almost to 

 influence these birds in their choice of a summer home. 



It was formerly believed that the Barn Swallows, and others, 

 passed the winter torpid in mud at the bottom of lakes, and 

 in caves. Much astounding evidence has been produced to 

 prove the correctness of this absurd theory, which is, however, 

 too unnatural to exist long under the rule of modern science. 

 Wilson is eloquent in his condemnation of this belief, and 

 considers it too ridiculous to be worthy of serious refutation, 

 which is, in fact, the case. 



d. The young Barn Swallows often utter a series of twit- 

 ters, which resemble the laugh of a tickled child, and the older 

 birds also have various twitters, some of which are sprightly 

 and musical. 



e. I shall not describe at length the twitters and guttural 

 <jries of the various Swallows, both because they are more 

 easily learned than described, and because, when described, 

 they can hardly aid one in distinguishing the different species. 



The Barn Swallows are so well known that I have men- 

 tioned no details in their habits. Their colonizations, their 

 constantly uttered notes, and their flights, are familiar to nearly 

 all, and the latter have long since been made the theme of 

 many an author. 



IE. PETROCHELIDON. 



A. LUNIFRONS. Cliff Swallow. Eave Swallow. " Re- 

 publican." Locally very abundant in New England, but 

 much less so, probably, than they will be ten years hence.* 



a. About five inches long. Tail scarcely forked. Upper 

 parts, and a spot on the breast, steel blue. Rump, sides of 

 the head, and throat, chestnut red. Breast, paler; belly, white. 

 Forehead, brownish. 



6. The nest is generally somewhat bottle-shaped, is com- 

 posed chiefly of a delicate mud-plaster, often intermixed with 



* Although the Eave Swallow has es- seldom or never seen. Mr. Minot's pro- 

 sentially the same general distribution phecy with regard to its numerical in- 

 in New England as the Barn Swallow, crease has not been fulfilled, or rather 

 it is very much more local, and within the reverse has taken place, particular- 

 many areas of considerable extent it is ly in eastern Massachusetts. W. B. 



