THE SWALLOW. 81 



ORDER PASSERES. 



The Common Chimney-Swallow. 

 Hirundo Rustica. 



OF the swallow and its habits so much has 

 been said and written, that it seems scarcely ne- 

 cessary to do more than mention its name, to 

 bring before our readers the remembrance of its 

 peculiarities. Its social habits in building within 

 the walls of our chimnies, its summer sojourn 

 in our island, the autumnal congregating of its 

 tribes, holding council on the approaching 

 voyage, and the distant journies over pathless 

 wastes and wide-extended waters, that follow, 

 all these particulars are well known. It is no 

 longer a matter of debate whether they emigrate 

 from this country ; 



" Or if, as colder breezes blow, 



Prophetic of the waning year, 

 They hide, tho' none know where or how, 

 In the cliff's excavated brow, 

 And linger torpid there. 



Or if, by instinct taught to know 



Approaching dearth of insect food, 

 To isles and willowy aits thy go, 

 And bending on the pliant bough, 



Sink in the dimpling flood."* 



* Charlotte Smith. 



