200 SAND-MARTINS. 



XX. 



THE sand-martin, or bank-martin, is by much 

 the least of any of the British hirundines, and, as 

 far as we have ever seen, the smallest known 

 hirundo ; though Brisson asserts that there is one 

 much smaller, and that is the hirundo esculent a. 



But it is much to be regretted that it is scarce 

 possible for any observer to be so full and exact 

 as he could wish in reciting the circumstances 

 attending the life and conversation of this little 

 bird, since it is fera naturd, at least in this part 

 of the kingdom, disclaiming all domestic attach- 

 ments, and haunting wild heaths and commons 

 where there are large lakes; while the other 

 species, especially the swallow and house -martin, 

 are remarkably gentle and domesticated, and 

 never seem to tliink themselves safe but under the 

 protection of man. 



Here are in this parish, in the sand-pits and 

 banks of the lakes of Wolmer Forest, several colo- 

 nies of these birds ; and yet they are never seen 

 in the village, nor do they at all frequent the 

 cottages that are scattered about in that wild 

 district. The only instance I ever remember 

 where this species haunts any building, is at the 

 town of Bishop's Waltham, in this county, where 

 many sand-martins nestle and breed in the scaf- 

 fold holes of the back wall of William of Wyke- 

 ham's stables ; but then this wall stands in a very 

 sequestered and retired enclosure, and faces 

 upon a large and beautiful lake. And, indeed, 

 this species seems so to delight in large waters, 

 that no instance occurs of their abounding, but 

 near vast pools or rivers ; and, in particular, it 

 has been remarked that they swarm in the banks 



