138 Bird - Lore 
succession, fluttering down, feet dropped, ready to settle lightly on the soft 
mud. The moment the feet touched ground, the body and tail were well up, 
so as not to soil those sleek feathers, and the wings extended straight over the 
back, continually fluttering to keep the feet from sinking or sticking. Mouth- 
fuls of the clay were quickly gathered, the wings continually shaking, and 
soon the Swallow was off. Every one was busy, mostly mindful only of his 
own affairs; but now and then a tiff occurred, where two wanted the same 
spot. Every newcomer called softly, and those flying above and across 
were musically happy. 
The nests are none too well fastened to the rafters, and a heavy rainstorm 
at the wrong season destroys many of the young birds and eggs. The gather- 
ing of the families and clans takes place early, so that late August sees the 
majority gone for the season, to return again to their old homes with another 
spring. 
* 4 Sen ¥ 
= e = ~ 
PIE ak As ei 
CLIFF SWALLOWS GATHERING MUD 
