416 HIRUNDINULE. 



through it ; lastly, it would be thrown into the form of an arch, 

 winch had a singular effect, and generally when thus exhibited 

 the whole body was bent like a well-strung bow, — an appearance 

 which was several times observed with very high interest. Within 

 a few seconds of time all these appearances were assumed by the 

 one bird. It is rarely, except in the warmest and finest weather, 

 and amid attractive scenery, when everything around from earth 

 or sea to the sky above, is redolent of joy and beauty, that 

 we feel disposed thus to pause, and patiently observe. 



On such an occasion at Mount Pagus, crowned by the ruins of 

 the Castle of Smyrna, and commanding one of the most magnificent 

 prospects in the world, the swallows, as they gently floated " on 

 the bosom of the air " a few yards beneath, exhibited the tail 

 expanded to such a degree, that the beautiful white portion towards 

 its base was quite conspicuous ; presenting in this respect so great 

 a difference from its ordinary appearance, that I did not feel certain 

 at the moment, of their being our own common bird. 



White in the Natural History of Selborne (Letter 21) remarks 

 of the swift, that " in the longest days it does not withdraw to 

 rest till a quarter before nine in the evening, being the latest 

 of all day birds." At Belfast, it may be seen about midsummer at 

 nine, and not unfrequently for some time after that hour. I have 

 noted them as heard, on the 27th of June, at a quarter after 9 

 o' clock; on the 8th of August, at five minutes after 8 o' clock, 

 both days having been fine and warm ; they occasionally remain 

 on wing until it is almost dark. The three species of Hirundo 

 usually retire before them. 



The swift generally leaves Belfast about the 12th of August, 

 but in 1840 I saw a number on the 19th of that month, 

 and in 1832, on the 20th; in 1845, they appeared above the town 

 as numerous as in June on the evening of the 18th, after which 

 I did not see them, and the latest heard of in the neighbour- 

 hood, was a single bird observed on the 22nd and 23rd; in 1833, 

 I remarked about twenty in company, near Belfast, so late as 

 the 30th. They were pursuing their prey most leisurely, at about 

 thirty yards from the ground, many swallows and martins occu- 



