MIGRATION OF SWALLOWS. 141 



gratory disposition is possessed by the swallow in 

 all parts of the world where they are found. It 

 takes place annually at the Cape of Good Hope, and 

 a friend in the West Indies writes me word that on 

 the 20th of January he remarked that the swallows 

 were congregating in thousands in the same way as 

 they do with us ; and on the same day not one was 

 to be seen. He added, that on the 23rd of No- 

 vember numerous swallows were seen, but they did 

 not appear to be stationary. During that day they 

 were seen resting on the branches of the silk cotton 

 trees, as if recovering from fatigue, and as the sun 

 went down, they made an effort to hunt for food, 

 but in a lazy sluggish flight. If the arrival and de- 

 parture of swallows in different parts of the world 

 was communicated from time to time, it would 

 prove very interesting to naturalists, and would 

 tend to clear up many of the doubts which exist re- 

 specting the history of these interesting birds. 



During the heat of the morning we reclined 

 under the shade of some beautiful lime trees, re- 

 freshing ourselves \\ith Angler's fare, which we had 

 brought with us, and which proved no unpleasant 

 part of the day's amusement. It was on this oc- 

 casion that my companion composed the following 

 song, which I am sure will be read with interest 

 by my worthy brothers of the rod and line. 



