499 MraDExTeR, on the Retreat, re. 
M G 
mote years than one, feen, at the proper time in-the pting, 
very large flocks of them, in any own, and in my neighbour's 
land, fo near the margin of the river, that, from that circum- 
ftance, the appearance of their feathers, and their being unable 
to ufe their wings as. at-other times, we cencluded they were 
newly emerged from the water. When they attempted to fly, 
they could not reach above eight or ten yards before they fettled 
to the ground, and then might be drove about like chickens.. 
They appeared unwilling to.be.difturbed ; and, if not fright- 
ened by fome noife or motion, would.clufter together, feeming 
to want to reft themfelves, as if feeble, or fatigued.—T hey 
were not entirely recovered from their {tupor,—there wasa vifcous 
fubftance.on and about their wings,—or they were too weak to 
fly away. . We had feen none in thole years before; but in each 
of them, after a day or two, they were flying about as ufual in 
fummer. 
_In addition to the foregoing, I can affure you, on the moft 
credible teftimony, that there have been more inftances than one 
of a pickerel’s being caught in this tiver, at the feafon of the 
‘coming of fwallows, with. one of thofe birds in its belly. 
I may poflibly overrate thefe difcoveries, yet, as I cannot over- 
` rate your candour, I hope to lofe no credit by communicating’ 
-them to an old and faithful friend, who, though he fhould not 
be informed, may poflibly be amufed by them. 7 
lam, with the fincereft efteem, 
Sir, your moft obedient fervant. i 
SAMUEL DEXTER. 
Ser 
