SWIFT. 639 



feathers ; and lays only two eggs, of a white colour. It is entirely 

 of a glossy dark sooty colour, only the chin is marked with a 

 white spot : but by being so constantly exposed to all weathers, 

 the gloss of the plumage is lost before it retires. I cannot frace 

 them to their winter quarters, unless in one instance of a pair 

 found adhering by their claws, and in a torpid state, in February, 

 1766, under the roof of Longnor chapel, Shropshire ; on being 

 brought to a fire, they revived and moved about the room. The 

 feet are of a particular structure, all the toes standing forward ; 

 the least consists of only one bone ; the others of an equal number, 

 viz. two each ; in which they differ from those of all other birds. 



This appears in our country about fourteen days later than the 

 sand martin, but differs greatly in the time of its departure, re- 

 tiring invariably about the tenth of August, being the first of the 

 genus that leaves us. 



The fabulous history of the Manucodiata, or bird of Paradise, 

 is in the history of this species in great measure verified. It was 

 believed to have no feet, to live upon the celestial dew, to float 

 perpetually on the Indian air, and to perform all its functions in 

 that element. 



The swift actually performs what has been in these enlightened 

 times disproved of the former : except the small time it takes in 

 sleeping, and what it devotes to incubation, every other action is 

 done on wing. The materials of its nest it collects either as they 

 are carried about by the winds, or picks them up from the surface 

 in its sweeping flight. Its food is undeniably the insects that fill 

 the air. Its drink is taken in transient sips from the water's sur. 

 face. Even its amorous rites are performed on high. Few per- 

 sons who have attended to them in a fine summer's morning, but 

 must have seen them make their aerial courses at a great height, 

 encircling a certain space with an easy steady motion. On a sud. 

 den they fall into each other's embraces, then drop precipitate with 

 a loud shriek for numbers of yards. This is the critical conjunc- 

 ture, and to be no more wondered at, than that insects (a familiar 

 instance) should discharge the same duty in the same element. 



These birds and swallows are inveterate enemies to hawks. 

 The moment one appears, they attack him immediately ; the swifts 

 soon desist ; but the swallows pursue and persecute those rapacious 

 birds, till they have entirely driven them away. 



