SWALLOW. 



165 



INSESSORES. 



FISSIROSTBES. HIRUNDINIDJE. 



PLATE XXXIII. 



SWALLOW. 



Hirundo rustica. {Linn.) 



Early in April, if the weather is warm, and the wind 

 favourable, a few swallows begin to make their appearance, 

 the precursors of the multitudes that annually repair to these 

 shores from their winter sojourn in warmer latitudes. 



The first appearance of these interesting birds is always 

 hailed with pleasure by all who love the pleasant sounds and 

 sights of nature, for they bring with them thoughts of 

 summer. 



Although arriving in large flights upon our coasts, they 

 afterwards disperse and penetrate by degrees further into 

 the country ; a few alone at first are seen among us, coursing 

 in their never-ending chase for food ; by degrees their num- 

 bers thicken, until the air is again peopled by this interest- 

 ing race. 



The Swallow always makes friends among us; its useful 

 and harmless life and social habits attract our notice, and 

 its familiar approaches to our dwellings make it looked upon 

 as half domesticated ; it lives among us, yet independent, 

 requiring of us nothing but quiet possession of its accustomed 

 nook or chimney. The Swallow is almost as much respected 

 and cherished as the redbreast himself, and shares, with that 

 favoured bird, exemption even from the persecution of village 



