THE HOUSE MARTIN. 



119 



the edge in order to permit the ingress and egress of the birds. Sometimes, however, the nesl 

 is supported on a kind of solid pedestal, composed also of mud, and often containing nearly 

 as much material as would have made an ordinary nest. These pedestals are generally con- 

 structed in spots where the Martin finds- that her nest does not find adequate support from 

 the wall. 



The material of winch the nests are built is said to consist principally of the finely pulver- 

 ized mold which is swallowed by earthworms as they feed, and is ejected at the surface of the 

 ground in the well-known ••casts" that often disfigure our lawns, and excite the wrath of the 

 gardener. This substance is evidently well moistened and kneaded before it is applied, and 



it is very probable that the bird 

 may supply some viscid secretion 

 which renders it more tenacious. 

 The exterior of the nest is very 

 rough, but has a picturesque ap- 

 pearance by reason of that very 

 roughness. 



When once they have at- 

 tached themselves to any locality, 

 the Martins are thorough conserv- 

 atives in their feelings, and set 

 their faces against any alteration 

 or improvement. One of my 

 friends, on finding that these lit- 

 tle birds were beginning to build 

 their nests under the eaves of his 

 house, was desirous of attracting 

 them to his residence and afford- 

 ing them the best hospitality in 

 his power. He therefore ordered 

 a kind of verandah to be erected 

 along the side of the house, so 

 that the Martins might find a 

 better shelter than was afforded 

 by the shallow eaves. The birds, 

 however, took a different view of 

 the matter ; deserted the nests 

 which had already been built, and 

 never came back again. 



In all cases the House Mar- 

 tins exhibit a strong dislike to 

 smooth walls. Stucco they de- 

 test, and only tolerate new brick when they can find no other resting-place. But their chief 

 delight is in walls that are covered with rough cast, or that are built of roughened stone. 

 They also take advantage of any projection, such as a spout or a piece of sculpture, and 

 employ it as a foundation on which they may rest their domiciles. 



Not only is the Martin capricious in choosing certain points of the compass, but also in 

 fixing upon a locality wherein to build its habitation, it exhibits no small fancifulness. Gen- 

 erally it affects human dwellings, and rests safely under the protection of their inmates ; but 

 it will often fiy far from the presence of man, and build its nest in uninhabited spots. Pre- 

 cipitous rocks of various kinds, whether limestone, sandstone, or chalk, are frequently studded 

 with the nests of the Martin. The basaltic rocks of the Giant's Causeway are in great favor 

 with this bird, which has even been known to plant its nests thickly in the arches of a bridge. 



SWALLOW.— Riruudo rustica. 



HOUSE MARTIN.— Chelidon urbica. 



