286 HISTORY OF 



Early, tberefoce, in the spring when the retiu-ning sun begins 

 to rouse the insect tribe from their annual state of torpidity; 

 when the gnat and the beetle put off their earthly robes, and 

 venture into air ; the swallow then is seen returning from its 

 long migration beyond the ocean, and making its way feebly to 

 the shore. At first, with the timidity of a stranger, it appears 

 but seldom, and flies but sloaly and heavily along. As the 

 weather grows warmer, and its insect supply increases, it then 

 gathers greater strength and activity. But it sometimes hap- 

 pens that a rainy season, by repelling the insects, stints the swal- 

 low in its food ; the poor bird is then seen slowly skimming along 

 the surface of the ground, and often resting after a flight of a few 

 minutes. In general, however, it keeps on the wing, and mov- 

 ing with a rapidity that nothing can escape. When the weather 

 promises to be fair, the insect tribe feel the genial in tiuence, and 

 make bolder flights ; at which time the swallow follows them 

 in their aerial journies, and often rises to imperceptible heights 

 in the pursuit. When the weather is likely to be foul, the in- 

 sects feel the first notices of it ; and from the swallow's follow- 

 ing low we are often apprized of the approaching change. * 



the male bird in its winter dress, but considerably deeper in the tone of its 

 plumage, which annually becomes darker till it arrives at its mature age, 

 wlufh is said to be four years. Like the male, it also undergoes consider- 

 able change in its summer and winter moults ; in the latter state being- of a 

 dark rusty b^o^^^l, with patches of black on the head, neck, and back ; and, 

 in its summer garb, is of deep blackish-brown, without any patches of black, 

 but considerably lighter on the belly. It is always destitute of the long tail 

 feathers, like the male. 



This remarkable species is a native of Africa, and is said to be common at 

 Mongolia, Angola, and the neighbourhood of Fort Wliidah, in which last 

 locality it abounds, and in consequence has derived its name. It has no 

 song, hut utters a sharp and clear diirp, not unlike that of the common bunt- 

 ing of Great Britain before rain. It is a lively and active bird, seldom rest- 

 jng abo^e a few seconds in one place ur position during the day. 



* The swallows common to Britain are the Chim'-ey Swallow, which has 

 naked feet, while the feet of its congeners are downy, and which builds gen. 

 erally in the inside of cliimneys — the Martin or Window Swallow — and the 

 Sand Martin or Sandy-bank Swallow. 



The swallow is a general favourite. He comes to us when nature is put- 

 ting on lier most smiling aspect, and he stays with us through the months of 

 sunshine and gladness. " The swallow," says Sir H. Davy, " is one of my 

 favourite birds, and a rival of the nightingale ; for he glads my sense of see- 

 ing, as much as the other does my sense of hearing. He is the joyous |iro. 

 phet of the year, the harbinger of the best season ; he lives a lile of enjoy, 

 ineut amongst the loveliest forms of natiu'e j winter is unknown to him. 



