THE SWALLOW TKIBE. 345 



ingly done. The pair immediately profited by the 

 farmer's suggestion; a nest was completed, and 

 an egg deposited in the short space of four days 

 from the commencement of the new work. While 

 the business of incubation was going forward, the 

 farmer's sheep-shearing was accomplished, and the 

 usual supper given to the labourers in the kitchen ; 

 but notwithstanding the confusion and smoke, 

 the constant opening and closing the door, the 

 parent bird never moved from her nest. The hay- 

 making feast arrived, when the young birds were 

 hatched ; and, again, amid the noise and confu- 

 sion, the old swallows unremittingly waited upon 

 their offspring. The nestlings took flight; but 

 until the period arrived for migTation, they con- 

 stantly retm'ned to the passage for the night. At 

 the beginning of the evening, they perched on 

 the edge of the nest ; and, as the night came on, 

 as if for additional warmth, they sunk down into 

 its interior. As the season advanced, and they 

 became full-feathered, they deserted the nest 

 altogether, and roosted on the bell-wire. Here 

 they perched during the conviviality of the har- 

 vest supper, perfectly regardless of the uproar; 

 and here I saw them perched for their night's 



