298 BRITISH BIRDS. 



country, will soon be convinced to what degree 

 our atmosphere would be choked with them, were 

 it not for the friendly interposition of the Swallow 

 tribe."* 



Swallows are found in every country, but seldom 

 rem ain the whole year in the same climate ; the 

 times of their appearance in and departure from 

 this country are well known: on their arrival all 

 nature assumes a more cheerful aspect. 



The bill of this genus is short, very broad at 

 the base, and a little bent; the head is flat, and 

 the neck scarcely visible ; the tongue is short,, 

 broad, and cloven; tail mostly forked; wings long; 

 legs short. The plumage of both sexes are nearly 

 alike. 



* White's Selborne. 



