44 MEMOIR OF PALLAS. 
tic birds had arrived. I have remarked, that not 
only in these countries, but generally throughout 
Europe, those birds of passage come from the west 
and north-west ; whilst it is also true that the bit- 
tern and the stork, of which there is a species here 
quite white, as also cranes and other land-birds, 
come about the same time from the south. The 
common and ash-coloured crow appeared about the 
middle of March, and consequently were the first 
visitors of that class: the wood-pigeon, the starling, 
and the alpine lark appeared only towards the end 
of the month ; they come in flocks, and are as com- 
mon as sparrows Among the latest visitants was 
the beautiful hoopoe, and it too was in great num- 
bers. Insects appeared at the same time as the 
flowers. Notwithstanding the extraordinary heat, 
and the great number of insects, swallows did not 
arrive before the 16th of April, though they pre- 
ceded the wasp. This is a proof that swallows are 
really birds of passage ; because, if not, they should 
have arrived at least at the same time with the 
insects. The fable of swallows hybernating at the 
bottom of the streams, is unknown in Russia; 
although there is not a country in the world where 
fishing is prosecuted with greater ardour, and where 
the net is so much employed, both in winter and 
spring.” —T. i. 224227. 
One other specimen we shall supply. “ It would 
be difficult to find a more delightful locality than 
the neighbourhood of Samara. It is rich in superb 
forests of birch and aspens, occasionally mixed with 
