BARN SWALLOW. 349 
of flight, their peculiar aérial evolutions of wing over our fields and 
rivers, and through our very streets, from morning to night, that the 
light of heaven itself, the sky, the trees, or any other common objects 
strong proof of the annual return of birds to the same building places. “At 
Cameston Hall, near Bath, a pair of Swallows built their nests on the upper part 
of the frame of an old picture over the chimney —coming iu through a broken 
pane in the window of the room. re came three years successively, and, in all 
probability, would have continued to do so, if the room had not been put into re- 
pair, which prevented their access lo it.” 
Swallows have been divided into various genera, as might be supposed from 
their being commonly indicated Swallows, Swifts, or Martins. Some form among 
these are found in almost every country, except as we approach the poles; and in 
North America, where the whole Hirundinidce will be comprised in six individuals, 
we have two real Swallows, two Martins, the very strongly formed Purple Swallow, 
and the representative of the Swifts in Chetura pelasgicu. ‘hese will come under 
observation as we proceed. The present, with the Republican,.or Cliff Swallow, 
figured by Bonaparte in his continuation, with that of Europe, are true forms of 
‘irundo, one which possesses great activity though not so much strength in flight 
zs the Swifts, but which will show the more exact relative proportion of power be- 
tween the members. They are very generally distributed, have the wings long, 
and the tail forked; the only form where these members are more extended, is nm 
the genus Macropterix, lately formed by Mr. Swainson from an Indian group, which 
will perhaps show the farthest developement of the wings and tail, but which bear 
the same disproportion as in the broad-shaped and sickle-winged Humming Birds. 
In all their various flights, the motions are conducted with great celerity and ele- 
gance, and are directed by the rapid motion of the tail. 
The subject of their migrations, which I believe takes place with all species, and 
in all countries, has occupied much speculation; of the fact, there can now be no 
doubt, and the collection of vast crowds together before departure, seems more 
confined to this form than to any of the others; so far, at least, as my own observa- 
tion has extended The American species congregate ; so do the Republican Swal- 
lows ; and towards the end of August, our own may be scen daily in flocks, on the 
house-tops or cornices, on railings, or on a bare tree, where the later broods are 
still fed and exercised by the parents, and the southern journey of the whole mass, 
as it were delayed until all had acquired sufficient strength. 
At times, these congregations are much greater than at others, or like some great 
assemblage from the neieiboriae country. One of these took place in 1815, near 
Rotherham, and has been made the subject of an anonymous pamphlet, by a cler- 
. gyman in that neighborhood. The assemblage and departure is thas described in 
it: —“ Early in the month of September, 1815, the Swallows, that beautiful and 
social tribe of the feathered race, began to assemble in the neighborhood of Roth- 
erham, at the willow ground, on the banks of the Canal, preparatory to their mi- 
gration to a warmer climate ; and their numbers were daily augmented, until they 
became a vast flock, which no man could easily number.” Thousands upon thou- 
sands — tens of thousands—and myriads; so great indeed, that the spectator 
would almost have concluded, the whole swallow race were there collected in one 
huge host. 
“‘It was their manner, while there, to rise from the willows in the morning, a 
little before six o’clock, when their thick columns literally darkened the sky. ‘Their 
divisions were then into four, five, and sometimes into six grand wings, each of 
these filing and taking a different route, — one east, another west, another south; 
as if not only to be equally dispersed throughout the country, to provide food for 
their numerous troops, but also to collect with them whatever of their fellows, or 
straggling parties, might still be lett behind. 
“Tn the evening, about five o’clock, they began to return to their station, and 
continued coming in from all quarters, until nearly dark. It was here that you 
might see them go through their various aérial evolutions, in many a sportive ring 
and airy gambol, strengthening their pinions in these playful feats, for their long 
etherea) journey, as they cut the air and frolicked in the last beams of the setting 
sun, or lightly skimmed the surface of the glassy pool. 
‘(The verdant enamel of summer had given place to the warn and mellow tints 
