21 



other birds, as we do not find any material differ- 

 ence either in its external or internal .formation. 

 Others have conjectured that these birds immerse 

 themselves in the water at the approach of winter, 

 and that they remain at the bottom in a state of 

 torpidity, until they are again called forth by the 

 influence of the vernal sun. Linnaeus was probably 

 of this opinion, when he said, Hirundo rustica 

 habitat in Europae domibus intra tectum, vnaque 

 cum vrbicd autumno demergitur, vereque emergit. 

 But most likely in this, as in some few other cases, 

 he gave credit to the fabulous assertions of others, 

 without examining into the truth of them himself*. 

 There are several instances on record of their having 

 been found in such situations, clustered together in 

 great numbers, and that, on being brought before 

 the fire, they have revived and flown away. But, 

 unfortunately, only a few of these accounts have been 

 well authenticated ; and the celebrated John Hun- 

 ter made many experiments which tended to shew 

 that these birds cannot continue long under water 



* It has been doubted by some, whether Linnaeus meant 

 any more by demergitur and emergit, than that the swallow 

 was hid, and came forth again. 



D 



