82 THE SWALLOW. 



So difficult, however, has it proved to ascertain 

 the fact of their emigration, that even the acute 

 and observant White, who is so rarely mistaken 

 in a point of this sort, was led, by various cir- 

 cumstances which fell under his own notice, to 

 favour the opinions alluded to in the preceding 

 stanzas, which we have quoted from the pages of 

 a writer cotemporary with the naturalist of Sel- 

 borne. The investigations of succeeding natu- 

 ralists have put the matter beyond a doubt ; and 

 it is now universally admitted, that, though 

 some individuals may remain in this country, 

 the great body of swallows migrate. As the 

 flight takes place in the night, when the pre- 

 vailing darkness protects them from many dan- 

 gers to which they would be exposed by day, we 

 can only watch the preparatory movements. 

 These are truly curious and interesting; and 

 from no spot, with which we are acquainted, can 

 they be seen to greater advantage than in that 

 pleasant woodland village of Selborne, where the 

 amiable historian of his native valley was wont 

 to observe their movements, watching their de- 

 parture and return with the enquiring eye of the 

 philosopher, and the enthusiasm of the poet. 

 But in all places it is delightful to go forth 

 while the woods are still arrayed in the varied 

 livery of autumn, leaves of all hues, and watch 



