Birds of Oregon and Washington 245 



As stated elsewhere in this book, the Violet- 

 green Swallow is not to be confused with the 

 Eave Swallow that seeks in companies to build 

 mud nests against the house ; the former asks for 

 a box in which to rear its young. Even now, 

 as I am writing this chapter, a pair of these 

 birds of exquisite color, perfect grace of move- 

 ment, and even, I find, of sweet song, are flying 

 in front of the second-story window where I sit, 

 and, pausing on the wing in front of me, seem 

 pathetically begging me to furnish them a home, 

 promising me full measure of delight if I will 

 but grant their evident prayer. 



Ornamental boxes for the Violet -green Swal- 

 low may be made, painted the color of the house 

 and put up under the eaves ; but ruder boxes 

 are more enticing as we shall see. Or again, these 

 birds may come to a cluster of houses set upon 

 a pole in the yard. It would be better, however, 

 to reserve the nests upon the pole for the Blue- 

 birds and the Martins. 



I have given a hint elsewhere about allowing 

 the Eave Swallows to set their mud nests against 

 our buildings. True bird-lovers will do all they 

 can to invite such neighborliness ; and the use of 



