288 Swallows. 



eyes brilliant, and plumage unruffled ; but this 

 morning it was found dead ; so sudden does 

 death occur, without any previous indication 

 being given, among the feathered tribe. 



From the 8th to the 16th of April we had 

 strong westerly winds and gales, coming on at 

 first, from north -north-west, veering to south-west 

 and south. On the 16th of April, we were in 

 latitude 44° 34' north, longitude 25'' 00' west. 



Early on the morning of the 28th, a swallow 

 (^Hirundo rustica, Linn.) was seen flying about 

 the ship ; and, having entered one of the stern 

 cabin windows, was readily taken. It appeared 

 quite exhausted, and made no efforts to escape, 

 until, having been confined for a short period of 

 time in one of the cabins, it flew out again on 

 the door being opened, but was soon recaptured. 

 It is probably the straggler of a flock migrating 

 to the northward, as they are usually considered 

 to arrive in England in April or May, earlier 

 or later, according to the mildness of the 

 season. 



This bird may be considered to be detained 

 on its passage by easterly winds, similarly to our- 

 selves. It was in an excellent phimp condition, 

 although now, no doubt, tired and hungry. 

 The little traveller is preserved alive, and per 



