46 SWALLOWS. 



exertion of tlie bird used, being a languid expansion 

 - of the wings for preserving its seat, which it did by 

 grasping its claws, so firmly as to draw blood from 

 the hand. In the course of the day he collected 

 twenty, confining them at large in a room. 



" On their first introduction they perched them- 

 selves on various parts, and appeared as languid as 

 their neighbours out of doors. In a short time, one, 

 which had placed itself on the mantel-piece near a 

 small fire, was observed to become more lively, 

 moving its head with a good deal of animation, and 

 seeming to enjoy the warmth. On this the fire was 

 increased, and the air in the room considerably 

 warmed. On which the little prisoners soon became 

 more sprightly, and flew about the room as rapidly 

 as on a Summer's day in the open air. Between 

 eight and nine o'clock the main body went off, with 

 the exception of five or six, and were absent for 

 about two hours, when they returned in seemingly 

 greater numbers than before, and remained till the 

 following morning; when, between nine and ten 

 o'clock there appeared a great commotion amongst 

 them, and within a few minutes they all took their 

 departure in a south-east direction, appearing to 

 have entirely cast aside their torpidity, and to be as 

 full of animation as ever. Their flight was at a 

 great height, further than the eye could reach, to 

 which they rose by several circumvolutions, that is, 

 flying round in large circles, just as Kites and 

 Havens do when they soar. About half an hour 

 after they had flown off, two of those confined in the 

 room were released. For about half a minute they 

 flew exactly in the contrary direction from their 



