262 ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY. 



hear the Martin's voice engaged in fight, all is alarm and conster- 

 nation. To observe with what spirit and audacity this bird dives 

 and sweeps upon and around the Hawk or the Eagle is astonish- 

 ing. He also bestows an occasional bastinading on the King-bird 

 when he finds him too near his premises ; though he will, at any 

 time, instantly co-operate with him in attacking the common 

 enemy. 



" The Martin differs from all the rest of our Swallows in the 

 particular prey which he selects. Wasps, bees, large beetles, par- 

 ticularly those called by the boys goldsmiths, seem his favorite 

 game. I have taken four of these large beetles from the stomach 

 of a Purple Martin, each of which seemed entire, and even 

 unbruised. 



" The flight of the Purple Martin unites in it all the swiftness, 

 ease, rapidity of turning, and gracefulness of motion of its tribe. 

 Like the Swift of Europe, he sails much with little action of the 

 wmgs. He passes through the most crowded parts of our streets, 

 eluding the passengers with the quickness of thought ; or plays 

 among the clouds, gliding about at a vast height, like an aerial 

 being. His usual note, peuo, peuo, peuo, is loud and musicftl; 

 but is frequently succeeded by others more low and guttural. 

 Soon after the 20th of August, he leaves Pennsylvania for the 

 South." 



In New England, this species begins to prepare its nest 

 about the 20th. of May : this is composed of dried grasses, 

 leaves, and feathers, and is deposited usually in a box pre- 

 pared for this purpose. The eggs are from four to six in 

 number, of a pure-white color, and vary but little in form 

 from exactly oval. Four specimens, collected in Connecti- 

 cut, exhibit the following measurements : 1.04 by .70 inch, 

 1 by .70 inch, 1 by .68 inch, .97 by .68 inch. Other speci- 

 mens vary, but little from these dimensions. Two broods 

 are often reared in the season, and the period of incubation 

 is fourteen days. 



In dismissing this family, it is hardly necessary, at this 

 late day, to say a word in favor of their beneficial habits ; 



