274 THE SAND MARTIN. 
spot in vain search after their lost homes, and fill the air with the mournful 
cries that tell of their sorrows. 
The Swallow is widely spread over various parts of the world, being fami- 
liarly known throughout the whole of Europe, not excepting Norway, 
Sweden, and the northern portions of the Continent. It is also seen in 
Western Alrica, and Mr. Yarrell mentions an instance where it was observed 
in the Island of St. Thomas, which is situated upon the equator. The 
martin and the swift were seen at the same place. 
The colour of the Swallow is very beautiful. Upon the forehead the 
feathers are of a light chestnut, which gives place to deep glossy steel- 
blue upon the upper portions of the body and wings. The primaries and 
secondaries are black, as are the tail feathers, with the exception of a few 
white patches. ‘he throat is chestnut, and a very dark-blue band crosses 
the upper part of the chest. The under parts are white, and the beak, legs, 
and toes black. The female is distinguished by the smaller chestnut on the 
SS 
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ow 
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SAND MARTIN.—(Cotile riparia.) 
forehead, the smaller tint of the feathers, and the narrowness of the dark 
band across the chest. ; 
MaNy examples of white Swallows are on record, and specimens may be 
seen in almost every collection of British birds. 
Among the most ingenious of bird architects, the FAIRY MARTIN holds a 
very high place in virtue of the singular nest which it constructs. 
The nest of the Fairy Martin has a very close resemblance to a common 
oil-flask, and reminds the observer of the flask-shaped nests which are con- 
structed by the Pensile Oriole and similar birds, although made of harder 
materials. The Fairy Martin builds its curious house of mud and clay, 
which it kneads thoroughly in its beak before bringing it to the spot where 
it will be required. Six or seven birds work amicably at each nest, one 
remaining in the interior enacting the part of chief architect, while others act 
as hodsmen, and bring material as fast as it is required. Except upon wet 
days, this bird only works in the evening and early morning, as the heat of 
