120 INSB8S0RES. 



Bteni. This was the place at which the Swallows en 

 tered. On closely examining the tree, I found it 

 hard, but hollow to near the roots. It was now about 

 four o'clock in the afternoon, in the month of July. 

 Swallows were flying over Jeifersonville, Louisville, 

 and the woods around, but there were none near the 

 tree. I proceeded home, and shortly after returned 

 on foot. The sun was going down behind the Silver 

 Hills; the evening was beautiful; thousands of 

 Swallows were flying closely above me ; and three or 

 four at a time were pitching into the hole, like bees 

 hurrying into their hive. I remained, my head lean- 

 ing on the tree, listening to the roaring noise made 

 within by the birds as they settled and arranged 

 themselves, until it was quite dark, when I left the 

 place, although I was convinced that many more had 

 to enter. I did not pretend to count them, for the 

 number was too great, and the birds rushed to the 

 entrance so thick as to baflle the attempt. 



" Next morning I was early enough to reach the 

 place long before the least appearance of daylight, 

 and placed my head against the tree. All was silent 

 within. I remained in that posture probably twenty 

 minutes, when suddenly I thought the great tree was 

 giving way, and coming down upon me. Instinc- 

 tively I sprung from it; but when I looked up to it 

 again, what was my astonishment to see it standing 

 as firm as ever. The Swallows were now pouring out 

 in a black, continuous stream. I ran back to my post, 

 and listened in amazdment to the noise within, which 

 I could compare to nothing else than the sound of a 



