= 
186 Mr. Peabody on the 
birds defend their nest, when attacked, with great 
spirit and resolution. They are not common as yet 
in the eastern part of the State, but in the west they 
begin to abound. 
- The Wurre-srzLLIED Swannow, Hirundo bicolor, 
is not so common in the western part of this State 
as either of the two preceding. It differs from 
them in never using mud in the construction of 
its nest, whieh is made of dry grass and lined with 
feathers. The eggs are four or five in number, of a 
pure white. Other swallows are harmonious and 
friendly to each other; but these are angry and 
quarrelsome. In taking their food, they make a 
snapping noise with the bill. This bird returns in 
spring earlier than any of its tribe, except the sand 
martin ; and though not particularly friendly to its 
own kindred, it is on good terms with man, and 
well disposed to accept the lodgings which he pro- 
vides. 
The Banx Swarnow, Hirundo riparia, is found | 
wherever there is a sandy bank on the side of 2 pit 
or river. "There it bores a hole with its bill, below 
the upper edge of the bank. Having opened it s0 
far as to insert its body, it scrapes the sand with the 
feet, inclining the excavation upward, in order that 
the waste earth may fall out readily below. The 
depth varies, in different situations, from two feet to 
five; the end is enlarged in the form of an oven, to 
receive the nest. These birds are so gentle, indus- 
trious, and friendly to each other, that. it is quite 
