12 



THE SWALLOW 



able to cover great distances of sea with- 

 out stopping to rest. But rest is neces- 

 sary for them, and 

 they stop now and 

 then upon light- 

 houses or upon the 

 sails and rigging of 

 ships, when they are 

 obliged to pass over 

 long stretches of sea. 

 Though their 

 course might be in 

 a direct line, it never is, 

 for the need of getting food 

 makes them break their 

 flight of a sudden and turn 

 this way and that, as they 

 spy insects a long way off 

 upon which to feed. They dart 

 off to right and to left in pursuit of 

 them, and so greatly lengthen their journey. 

 By no means all of them are able to endure 

 the terrible fatigues of the flight. Many 



