SWALLOW. 159 



vances, and the time of departure draws near. This, 

 with respect to the majority, takes place in the be- 

 ginning of October; but stragglers (generally young 

 birds of the second hatching) may be often noticed 

 till the third or fourth week in that month. 



I once observed a white variety of this bird at 

 Ely, flying in company with others of the usual 

 colour. 



The swallow has a peculiar note, which it utters in 

 the height of summer, just at break of day, when it 

 begins to get light. This note differs from its ordin- 

 ary song at other times, in being much less varied 

 and lively, and is put forth in a peculiarly plaintive 

 and very monotonous manner. It is sometimes re- 

 peated without intermission for nearly an hour toge- 

 ther, and is always uttered from the nest or chimney 

 top, while perched, and appears to be preliminary 

 to taking the first morning flight. This note of the 

 swallow is often the earliest of any bird heard in the 

 morning, the skylark excepted : the thrush and the 

 blackbird, however, strike up shortly afterwards, and 

 occasionally take the precedency ; but all appear to 

 be regulated by the degree of light. On very fine 

 mornings I have heard the swallow singing at twenty 

 minutes after two ; but when it has been wet, and 

 the sky much clouded, I have not heard it till near 

 three o'clock. After it has taken wing, (which is 

 often not till an hour, or an hour and a half from 

 the time of its first commencing the above note,) it 

 then 'assumes its more usual song. 



