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CHAPTER IV. 



IN THE AIR AND ON THE TREES. 



THE SWALLOW. 

 (Hirun d o rus tic a.) 



THE nest of the Swallow is in the shape of half a saucer, 

 quite open, and formed of clay, into which straw and 

 grass are cleverly kneaded. It is built in old huts, in 

 chimneys, also under the eaves of houses, often so low, 

 that it can easily be reached by an outstretched arm. 

 This bird is truly a household companion with us 

 in Hungary. The first clutch of the year consists of 

 five to six eggs, the second which comes at Midsummer, 

 of three or four ; they are white, speckled with reddish- 

 brown and grey. 



It is a pleasure for man, to observe the daily life 

 of the Swallow. In spring it returns to its old nest, 

 tidies it up, and then its domestic felicity begins. In 

 the early morning light, it may be seen sitting on the 

 roof, on the window-sill, or on a post, cleaning and 

 arranging its plumage; then it wakes the household, 



