SWALLOWS. 277 



CONGREGATING AND DISAPPEARANCE OF 

 SWALLOWS. 



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 

 susi^|ed than proved : or do they not rather spend their time in 

 de^^pid 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 time's 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, con- 

 sulting 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 battle- 

 ments and roofs, 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 11. It is very remarkable, that after the hirundines 

 have disappeared for some weeks, a few are occasionally seen 

 again : sometimes, in the first week in November, and that only 

 for one day. Do they not withdraw and slumber in some hiding 

 place during the interval ? for we cannot suppose they had mi- 

 grated to warmer climes and so returned again for one day.* Is 



* Of their migration the proofs are such as will scarcely admit of a doubt. Sir Charles Wager 



