THE GAPERS. 



113 



stadium in length — a thing that could not possibly have been effected by the agency of man. In 

 Egypt, too, near the city of Coptos, there is an island sacred to Isis ; in the early days of spring, the 

 Swallows strengthen the angular corner of this island with chaff and straw, thus fortifying it in order 

 that the river may not sweep it away. This work they persevere in for three days and nights 

 together, with such unremitting labour that it is a well-known fact that many of them die in 

 consequence of their exertions ) moreover, this is a toil which recurs to them regularly every year." 



The nest itself is made at the end of the above-mentioned passage, and consists of a bed 

 of straw, hay, and fibres, snugly lined with wool, hair, and feathers. The eggs, five or six in number, 

 are of an oval shape, and have a thin, pure white shell. The young are hatched in a fortnight, and 

 remain for a similar period under the care of their parents. Should the first family not be reared, a 



THE ARIEL (Chelidon Ariel). 



second brood is at once laid. The flight of the Sand Martin is so light as to bear comparison 

 with that of the butterfly. Its voice is weak and gentle, and its disposition lively and active ; it 

 is extremely social, and lives at peace with most other birds. In its general habits it resembles 

 its congeners, but leaves for warmer climes earlier in the year than they do, and does not reappear till 

 about May. 



THE ARIEL SWALLOW. 

 The Ariel Swallow, or Fairy Martin (CJulidon Ariel), as the Australian representative of our 

 Roof Swallow is called, is about three inches and a half in length. The upper part of its body is deep 

 blue, the top of the head rust-red, the rump brownish white, and the tail dark brown ; the eye is 

 blackish brown, the beak black, and the foot brownish grey. According to Gould, the Ariel appears 

 in the southern and western portions of Australia about August, and, seeking after its old haunts, lays 

 two or three broods, and departs again in February. In some situations the nests of this species 

 are built crowded together under eaves of houses and hollow trees, or beneath the shelter of an 

 vol. 11. — 54 



