care is taken by such birds, than by the semi-domesticatecl ones, in constructing their nests. The chosen 

 cavity is generally cleared of every movable thing, before a straw is laid. The materials of the old nest 

 being, as a rule, torn out by the Martins before they begin the construction of the new. This is often 

 a considerable task, and occupies as much time, if not more, than was consumed in its construction. 



EGGS: 



The number of eggs in a set v^iries from four to six; five is the ordinary complement. They are a 

 pure white, without much, if any, polish. Some are even dull and rough. The shell often has the ap- 

 pearance of being rough-ground, and is sometimes marked with irregular raised lines about the crown, 

 such as are frequently seen on hens' eggs. They measure, in long-diameter, from .90 to 1.02; and, in 

 short-diameter, from .62 to .74; average size, about .97 x .68. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS: 



The size and shape of the egg, when normal, together with its unmaidted white shell, will easily 

 identify it. The nest without, or even with the eggs, is not usually of much value, and can not with cer- 

 tainty be always identified. 



EEMARKS : 



Plate XXVIII illustrates an old-fashioned Martin-box, with its female occupant. The house is such 

 as was formerly erected at nearly every cabin, and such as is still to be seen in certain sections of the 

 State. Now, boxes are generally made, representing dwelling-houses, churches, or court-houses. These are 

 often handsomely painted, and placed upon posts or house-tops ; but I doubt if they are any more accept- 

 able to the birds than the old-time gourd, — with a hole cut in the side for an entrance, and a piece of 

 branch driven in just beneath it for a perch, — tied to a long pole set in the ground, or fastened in an up- 

 right position to a fence or gate-post. 



The Martin is a watchful and pugnacious bird, and on this account his friendship is frequently culti- 

 vated, and his qualities utilized by giving him a home in the vicinity of the poultry-yard, thereby assur- 

 ing protection against the depredations of the Hawk. He delights in maintaining his own rights, and 

 often has combats with the Bluebird, House Sparrow, and Wren, for the possession of a building site, each 

 of which, generally has the advantage over the Martin, in being thoroughly quartered before the latter 

 arrives ; but, notwithstanding this fact, I think the Mai'tin is usually victorious. 



Although the species is single brooded, like most other birds they will lay a number of sets of eggs, 

 if robbed. When the young are hatched, the parents become exceedingly noisy. Long before day, and 

 often during the night, the males attempt what they seem to consider a song. This consists of a series 

 of noises resembling somewhat those produced by saw-filing, gritting the teeth, an ungreased wagon wheel, 

 and the like. If a colony of birds have nests near your bed-room, you are, perhaps, already familiar with the 

 sounds. But, notwithstanding, the song is disagreeable in early morning, there is, later in the day, a 

 cheerfulness and happiness about every action of the bird, which, at such a time, makes him an agreeable 

 though noisy companion. After the young are large enough to fly, they collect in flocks, as evening ap. 

 preaches, and fly about in search of roosting places. When they find a good locality they return to it 

 for a number of evenings, thus becoming a great nuisance to the shop-keepers, who sometimes fire roman- 

 candles at them, to break up the roost. By the first of September they are no longer to be seen or heard 

 having departed to the South. 



108 



