148 THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS. 



they wheel abont in parties of a dozen or more, they frequently utter 

 a short sharp cry, consisting of two high notes. Often when perched 

 on the roof, just after daybreak, the Swallows may be heard engaged 

 in a sort of lively twittering conversation, their soft voices strike the 

 ear agreeably, and seem well in harmony with the brightness and 

 cheerfulness of the early summer morning. 



Although the general appearance of the Swallow is familiar to all, 

 it requires a close inspection to become acquainted with the minutiaB 

 of its plumage. The head, back, and wings are brownish black, with 

 a steely blue reflection which is only seen in certain lights. The tail 

 is of the same colour, with some of the outer edges of the feathers 

 patched with white. The forehead, chin, and throat are chesnut; the 

 breast and under parts of the body buffy white. The irides are hazel; 

 the beak, wings, and feet black. 



It was supposed at one time that the Swallows passed the winter 

 in this country, concealed in caves and hollow trees, in a state of 

 torpor or sleep; but this is now known to be a mistake, and has 

 doubtless arisen from some few individuals, that from weakness or 

 some other cause had been unable to undertake the journey, having 

 been found in this condition. Towards the end of October these birds 

 may be observed collecting in large flocks on the fences, roofs, and 

 chimneys; they plume their wings, and twitter to each other as if 

 talking of the long journey that is before them. After this they rise 

 into the air, and wheel around in rapid circles, gradually mounting 

 higher and higher, until at last they take a decided southerly direction, 

 and disappear in the distance. Thus to the Swallow, in the words of 

 Sir Humphrey Davy, " winter is unknown, and he leaves the green 

 meadows of England for the myrtle and orange groves of Italy, and 

 for the palms of Africa." How he finds his way over so many miles 

 of sea and land to these distant countries, and by what means he is 

 enabled to know when the time for his departure has arrived, must 

 remain among the many unfathomable mysteries of instinct. 



THE MARTIN, 



( ' Hirundo urbica.) 

 PLATE IX. FIGURE V. 



THE Martin generally makes its appearance in this country a few 

 days later than the Swallow, about the 18th. of April being the average 



