342 On natural Phenomena, 



tivity, or resort, they well know ; and visit, in vast 



lately received, from an intelligent friend. Dated February 18th, 

 1814. R. P. 



" Agreeably to your request, in company with Mr. H. we called 

 " on Mr. Williams. As nearly as I can recollect, the following is 

 " his story. 



" Some time in April last, in the evening, his kitchen chimney, 

 " (the funnel large,) was entirely stopped by chijnney birds^ so that 

 " the smoke would not ascend. The fire was put out, by the soot 

 " and dust that fell. Being an old man, he feared it was something 

 *' ominous ; and would not have them disturbed. But he, after- 

 " wards, made up his mind, that if they returned, he would oust 

 " them from their quarters. About the middle of May following, 

 " in the evening, coming from his barn, he perceived the atmo- 

 " sphere darkened by those birds. Presently, he saw them desce?7d- 

 ^^ ing into the chimnies of his house and out houses ; till they all 

 " disappeared. On going into his kitchen, his housekeeper ex- 

 *' claimed ! There was nothing but smoke and dust within. He 

 " called to his boy, at the barn, to bring a bundle of straw, and a 

 " long-handled fork. He set the straw in ablaze, and pushed it up 

 " the chimney. Down came the birds. Some without wings ; 

 ** some without legs. The fire was smothered out ; and the floor 

 " covered with the wounded. Their noise was so distressing, that 

 " he was almost induced to leave the house. His intention had been 

 " to scare,— not to maim them. He set his servants to collect both 

 *' the dead and wounded. They counted between two and three 

 " thousand ; and then gave it up as an endless job. They measured 

 " about two bushels. His hogs were fond of them ; and feasted 

 " on them, for several days.'* It is to be noted, that these were 

 only the birds, which had made a lodgment in one chimney. 



Instances in proof of departure, for hybernation, and return, of 

 birds, might be multiplied without number. The fact of local attach- 

 ments, either natural or acquired, could also be amply verified. 



Martins ( Hirundo fmrjiurea) have had red cloth, and wire-rings, 

 sowed and fastened round their legs. Those thus marked, have 



