SWALLOWS. 83 



about it are well laid out, and it has become the 

 favourite residence of the present governor ; and 

 when compared to the government-house at 

 Sydney, well merits his choice. 



Swallows were numerous at this season of the 

 year, and were now busily engaged in con- 

 structing their nests under the eves of houses ; 

 the nests differ from those of the European 

 species, in having a bottle-shaped neck. 



I had no opportunity of ascertaining whether 

 the species were the same ; but from casual ob- 

 servation I should think they were different. 

 When these little birds are not in the vicinity of 

 the dwellings of man, they construct their nests 

 in the hollow trunks of trees, or under over- 

 hanging rocks, but always seem to prefer the 

 society or protection of the human race : many 

 are seen busily engaged in the construction of a 

 nest, forming a " co-operative society;" when 

 the nests are constructed in a situation about 

 the dwelling, where, being built of mud, the 

 appearance is unsightly, they are frequently 

 knocked down ; but this will not deter the in- 

 dustrious little creatures from re-building in the 

 same situations, until, being repeatedly destroyed, 

 they are obliged to seek for another place of 

 refuge. 



G 2 



