310 BRITISH BIRDS. 



while others assert, with more probability, that 

 they often rob the Sparrow, and occupy the same 

 hole, after driving out the possessor. The female 

 lays five white eggs, rather pointed and spindle- 

 shaped; the young ones are hatched about the 

 latter end of May ; they begin to fly about the 

 middle of June, and shortly after abandon the 

 nest, after which the parents seem no more to 

 regard them. 



Swifts begin to assemble previously to their 

 departure early in July : their numbers daily in- 

 crease, and large bodies appear together : they 

 soar higher, with shriller cries, and fly differently 

 from their usual mode. These meetings continue 

 till towards the middle of August, after which 

 they disappear. 



4 -Q&. 



^f 



