THE SWALLOW. 



1 European Swallow. 2 Martin. 3 Sand Martin. 4 Swift. 



" The European Swallow," says a British author, " is one of my favorite hirds. He is the joyous pro- 

 phet of Spring. Winter is unknown to him, and he leaves the green meadows of England in autumn for 

 the orange groves of Italy, and the plains of Africa." This bird much resembles the American Barn 

 Swallow, whose habits and appearance are well known. 



The Martin and the Sand Martin are both birds of the Old World, as is also the Swift. The Sand 

 Martin, it will be observed, is found abundantly in the United States, where it builds its nest in holes dug 

 out of the sandy banks. All these birds have the same general character ; and they are all among the 

 familiar friends and favorites of young people. 



