SWALLOWS. 335 
the eaves its contented, orderly inmates. The stretch of river-bank, the loamy crest of 
the quarry, may be honey-combed with burrows, and never a sign of strife in the settle- 
ment. Nay, more: among the Swallows, perhaps alone of our birds, do we find that 
rare climax of sociability which the actual clustering of nests betokens; and a colony 
of Cliff Swallows shows that a high degree of communism is not incompatible with 
perfect decency and decorum. Such free, impatient, and impulsive birds as Swallows, 
one might fear, could. not sustain too close relations without at least occasional 
breaches of the peace; but the harmony remains unbroken. This surely speaks well 
for the disposition of the birds, arguing many a good quality beyond mere amiability ; 
it indicates forbearance, self-respect, fidelity in all relations, and regard for another’s 
rights; it reasserts that liberty does not mean license, and that freedom is to will to 
do right. 
“Some who may be less interested in Swallows than I admit myself to be, or lack 
a sentiment I am willing to betray, may think the picture overdrawn, and ask for the 
other side of a shield. that seems to me golden. If by this is meant, What are the bad 
qualities of Swallows? I must admit my incompetency to reply. These birds are said 
by some to be irascible and pugnacious. But quarrelsome they certainly are not, and 
their quickness of temper is resolvable into the admirable spirit they display in defence 
of their home and family. They are said to show special animosity against cats— quite 
an antipathy, in fact. Who wouldn’t, under the circumstances? Which one of us, being 
a Swallow, could be expected to be fond of cats? These timid and delicate birds some- 
times thake Puss retire discomfited, such are the spirit and the vigor of their onset 
against this prowling enemy. Their courage is nowadays often called into action in 
defence of their homes against those wretched interlopers, the European Sparrows. 
There is a dead-lock here, and the feud is both bitter and relentless, in natural con- 
sequence of the Sparrows’ total depravity. The Purple Martins, as I know, defend 
themselves against spoliation of their homes with success, and I hear that even the 
much weaker White-bellied Swallows, whose action in protecting themselves against 
outrage I have had no opportunity of studying, have proven no less valiant. I wish 
that the same could be said of some other birds which the Sparrows attack, harass, 
and turn out of doors; and to the Swallows in particular,—to every pair of these 
lovable birds that may nestle with us,—I wish success in resisting invasion, peace, 
plenty, and every joy that can fill their gentle breasts.” 
The Swallows which inhabit our country are divided into the following genera: 
1, Progne Boir. Two species. 
2, Petrochelidon CaBAnis. One species. 
8, Chelidon ForsTER. One species. 
4, Tachycineta CaBANIS. Two species. 
5, Clivicola Forster. One species. 
6, Stelgidopteryx Bairp. One species. 
