MERRY MAY. 37 



(Hirundo Ripario), after which follow the 

 Chimney Swallow (Hirundo Rustica), then the 

 House Martin (Hirundo Urbica), and last of 

 all of the Hirundinidoe family, the Swift (Cyp- 

 slus murarius), which, strange to say, is the 

 first to leave us in the autumn, only rearing 

 one brood, the others bringing up two or three 

 before they depart. 



" So when the earth smiles with summer's ray, 

 The wanton Swallows o'er the valley play ; 

 In sport each other they so swiftly chase, 

 Sweeping with easy wings the meadow's face, 

 They seem upon the ground to fly a race." 



Blackmore. 



The difference between the Chimney Swallow 

 and House Martin (Hirundo Urbica) is to the 

 ordinary observer not apparent, both being 

 looked upon as the same bird, and termed 

 Swallows. The Chimney Swallow has a rich 

 chestnut colour on the forehead and throat, the 

 under parts being of a washy red colour ; 

 whereas the Martin has not the chestnut colour, 

 while the breast, rump, and under parts are 



