208 BRITISH LAND BIRDS. 



Next to these appear the CHIMNEY SWALLOW and 

 the MARTIN. The large screaming swallow, or 

 SWIFT, is the last to come and the first to go. 

 These are all insect-eaters, which they capture 

 while they fly. Their wings are very strong and 

 long, and their tails pointed in forks ; so that they 

 can remain the whole day wheeling in the air in 

 pursuit of their prey. Their form is that which 

 has been found to make the fastest sailing-vessel 

 full forwards, and long and tapering backwards. 

 Their feet are small, but these, as well as the stiff 

 points of the tail, and even the edges of their 

 wings, are so formed that they can cling to an 

 upright or even an overhanging surface, if there 

 be roughness for their claws to hold by. Their 

 sight is exceedingly acute, and their bills flat and 

 very wide at the base, and curved ; so that they can 

 carry a large supply to their nests for the young. 



Swallows and martins are birds which, like the 

 sparrow, display most strongly social feelings 

 towards man. They invariably attach themselves 

 to our houses ; they claim the shelter of our dwell- 

 ings, and for this purpose pursue us in all 

 quarters of the world and in every latitude. This 

 habit of the swallow has obtained the notice of the 

 Psalmist, who says, " The sparrow hath found an 

 house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where 

 she may lay her ytmng, even thine altars, Lord of 



