SWALLOW. INSESSORES. HIRUNDO. 121 



at variance with the idea of the bird going into such a torpid 

 state as has been represented, and sufficient to prove the im- 

 probability, nay, I may say impossibility, of such an event. 



Let it be admitted, that a few individuals may, at different 

 times, have been found in a half-dead or benumbed state, 

 under the eaves of houses, or in similar places of retreat, (the 

 natural consequence of remaining in an uncongenial climate), 

 such will, doubtless, have been young birds of late hatchings, 

 not able to undergo the fatigue of so long a flight, or old 

 birds, reduced by sickness and other casualties to a similar 

 condition ; and all of which, I should be strongly inclined to 

 believe, die before the expiration of the winter. As a proof 

 that the circumstances may happen, I adduce two instances 

 of having found this bird in the months of December and 

 February, both of which individuals appeared to have re- 

 cently died. 



The food of the Swallow consists entirely of insects, which Food 

 it takes with great dexterity on the wing. During the sum- 

 mer, the scenery of the margins of rivers, and the quiet sur- 

 face of lakes and other pieces of water, are enlivened by the 

 busy flight of this, and the other species of Swallow, at- 

 tracted by the swarms of winged insects that are always 

 found in such situations. When feeding, it flies with the 

 mouth extended, and the capture of its prey is attended with 

 a snap of the bill, audible by an attentive ear. It drinks 

 also, and frequently bathes, whilst on wing. 



In England, this species generally breeds in chimneys, 

 whence arises its English specific name ; sometimes in out- 

 houses ; and where coal-pits abound, its habitation may fre- 

 quently be seen fixed against the side of a deserted shaft. 

 The nest is open at the top, and formed of clay or mud, Nest, &c. 

 lined with feathers, and other soft materials. The eggs are 

 white, speckled with reddish-brown, and are four or five in 

 number. These birds begin to build soon after their ar- 

 rival, and produce two broods in the year, one of which flies 

 in June, and the second about the middle or latter part of 



