CHAP. 10. SUPERSTITIONS. 263 



and other birds are so familiar and daring, as to 

 snatch the food from out of dishes, as men are 

 carrying them from the kitchen to the place of 

 repast. The respect paid to the Swallow may 

 have originated in its being the harbinger of 

 spring, and from its inhabiting churches, tem- 

 ples, and other sacred places ; and, perhaps in 

 some measure, from its utility in clearing the 

 air of insects.* Swallows, at one time, among 

 the Greeks, appear to have been regarded as an 

 evil omen when a flock of them settled on a 

 tent, or ship. The low flight of Swallows 

 predicts Rain, and their settling on buildings is 

 an autumnal custom previous to their departure, 

 or to the commencement of wintry weather; 

 hence have they, perhaps, been considered as 

 portending evil. 



The crowing of Cocks was reckoned ominous, 

 particularly as prophesying the event of wars. 

 It is from the known courage of this bird in 



* Ore bono volitans muscas deprendit hirundo, 



Atque ita viventi pascitur ilia cibo. 

 Quumque lacus circumvolitet vel florida prata, 



Illius ambages quis numerare potest ? 

 Cypselus at vacuo rapidis volat aethere pennis 

 Nee metuit milvos accipitremve ferum. 



Epig. Incert. Auct. 



