68 BIRDS' NESTS. 



or five in number, are of a long oval form, 

 rather pointed, and about three quarters of an 

 inch long ; their colour is pure, spotless white. 



SAND MARTIN. Hirundo riparia. 



THE Sand or Bank Martin derives its name 

 from the place which it selects for building its 

 nest. Many interesting accounts have been 

 written of its skill as an excavator, the most 

 pleasing of which, perhaps, is that of Mr. 

 Robert Dick Duncan. He says, " It is 

 extremely pleasant to observe the process of 

 burrowing ; and it is by no" means difficult 

 to enjoy a view of their operations. Taking 

 with me a small telescope, I seated myself at 

 a little distance, on the opposite bank of the 

 river, early on a warm morning in May. The 

 swallows, no way molested by my presence, 

 continued at intervals to excavate their nests. 

 Grasping the perpendicular surface of the bank 

 with their claws, and steadying themselves by 

 means of their tails, they .commenced working 



