OUR DEBT TO THE SWALLOWS 157 



other societies whose aim it is to help 

 in the conservation of our own feathered 

 tribes. 



Everywhere to-day not superstitious fear 

 of evil omens, as in the days of old, prompts 

 kindly treatment of swallows, but a true ap- 

 preciation of their practical and aesthetic 

 value. Although now we may not stand in 

 fear of being stricken blind or dumb if we 

 are tempted to injure a swallow or her nest, 

 is it not through regard for her and her 

 benefits to us that we refrain ? Although in 

 these days we do not greet the swallows 

 with spring songs, as the Athenian children 

 of long ago, nor preach sermons to them, 

 like Saint Francis, may we not, with Saint 

 Guthlac, welcome the tree swallows and the 

 beautiful martins with a little rush basket or 

 a bird house carefully placed in our gardens ? 

 May we not make a convenient opening in 

 our modern tightly built barns for our friend, 

 the barn swallow ? And, perhaps more help- 

 ful than all, guard them from the prowling 



