4i 8 The Natural History of Selborne 



SWALLOWS, CONGREGATING AND DISAPPEAR- 

 ANCE OF. 



DURING the severe winds that often prevail late in the spring it 

 is not easy to say how the hirundines subsist ; for they withdraw 

 themselves, and are hardly ever seen, nor do any insects appear 

 for their support. That they can retire to rest and sleep away 

 these uncomfortable periods, as bats do, is a matter rather to be 

 suspected than proved ; or do they not rather spend their time in 

 deep and sheltered vales near waters, where insects are more likely 

 to be found ? Certain it is, that hardly any individuals of this genus 

 have at such times been seen for several days together. 



September 13, 1791. The congregating flocks of hirundines on 

 the church and tower are very beautiful and amusing. When they 

 fly off together from the roof, on any alarm, they quite swarm in 

 the air. But they soon settle in heaps, and preening their feathers, 

 and lifting up their wings to admit the sun, seem highly to enjoy 

 the warm situation. Thus they spend the heat of the day preparing 

 for their emigration, and, as it were, consulting when and where 

 they are to go. The flight about the church seems to consist 

 chiefly of house-martins, about 400 in number ; but there are 

 other places of rendezvous about the village frequented at the 

 same time. 



It is remarkable that though most of them sit on the battlements 

 and roof, yet many hang or cling for some time by their claws 

 against the surface of the walls, in a manner not practised by them 

 at any other time of their remaining with us. 



The swallows seem to delight more in holding their assemblies 

 on trees. 



November 3, 1789. Two swallows were seen this morning at 

 Newton vicarage-house, hovering and settling on the roofs and 

 out-buildings. None have been observed at Selborne since 

 October 1 1 . It is very remarkable, that after the hirundines have 

 disappeared for some weeks, a few are occasionally seen again ; 



