204 The Natural History of Selborne 



late springs, 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. 1 



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. 



