PURPLE MARTIN. 117 



twitter in united accord, as if congratulating each other on the successful 

 issue of the contest. 



The usual flight of this bird more resembles that of the Hirundo ur- 

 bica of LiNN-Eus, or that of the Hirundofulva of Vieillot, than theflight 

 of any other species of Swallow ; and, although graceful and easy, cannot 

 be compared in swiftness with that of the Barn Swallow. Yet the Martin 

 is fully able to distance any bird not of its own genus. They are very 

 expert at bathing and drinking while on the wing, when over a large lake 

 or river, giving a sudden motion to the hind part of the body, as it comes 

 into contact with the water, thus dipping themselves in it, and then rising 

 and shaking their body, like a water spaniel, to throw off" the water. When 

 intending to drink, they sail close over the water, with both wings greatly 

 raised, and forming a very acute angle with each other. In this position, 

 they lower the head, dipping their bill several times in quick succession, 

 and swallowing at each time a little water. 



They alight with comparative ease on different trees, particularly wil- 

 lows, making frequent movements of the -wings and tail as they shift their 

 place, in looking for leaves to convey to their nests. They also frequent- 

 ly alight on the ground, where, notwithstanding the shortness of their 

 legs, they move with some ease, pick up a goldsmith or other insect, and 

 walk to the edges of puddles to drink, opening their wings, which they 

 also do when on trees, feeKng as if not perfectly comfortable. 



These birds are extremely courageous, persevering, and tenacious of 

 what they consider their right. They exhibit strong antipathies against 

 cats, dogs, and such other quadrupeds as are hkely to prove dangerous to 

 them. They attack and chase indiscriminately every species of Hawk, 

 Crow, or Vulture, and on this account are much patronized by the hus- 

 bandman. They frequently follow and tease an Eagle, until he is out of 

 sight of the Martin's box ; and to give you an idea of their tenacity, 

 when they have made choice of a place in which to rear their young, I 

 shall relate to you the following occurrences. 



I had a large and commodious house built and fixed on a pole, for the 

 reception of Martins, in an enclosure near my house, where for some years 

 several pairs had reared their young. One winter I also put up several 

 small boxes, with a view to invite Blue-birds to build nests in them. The 

 Martins arrived in the spring, and imagining these smaller apartments 

 more agreeable than their own mansion, took possession of them, after 

 forcing the lovely Blue-birds from their abode. I witnessed the different 



