172 THE PURPLE MARTIN. 



of Liniosus, or that of the Hirundo fulva of Vieillot, than the flight of 

 any other species of Swallow; and, although graceful and easy, cannot be 

 compared in swiftness with that of the Barn Swallow. Yet the Martin is 

 fully able to distance any bird not of its own genus. They are very expert 

 at bathing and drinking while on the wing, when over a large lake or river, 

 giving a sudden motion to the hind part of the body, as it comes into contact 

 with the water, thus dipping themselves in it, and then rising and shaking 

 their body, like a water spaniel, to throw off the water. When intending to 

 drink, they sail close over the water, with both wings greatly raised, and 

 forming a very acute angle with each other. In this position, they lower 

 the head, dipping their bill several times in quick succession, and swallowing 

 at each time a little w T ater. 



They alight with comparative ease on different trees, particularly willows, 

 making frequent movements of the wings and tail as they shift their place, 

 in looking for leaves to convey to their nests. They also frequently alight 

 on the ground, where, notwithstanding the shortness of their legs, they move 

 with some ease, pick up a goldsmith or other insect, and walk to the edges 

 of puddles to drink, opening their wings, which they also do when on trees, 

 feeling as if not perfectly comfortable. 



These birds are extremely courageous, persevering, and tenacious of what 

 they consider their right. Tbey exhibit strong antipathies against cats, dogs, 

 and such other quadrupeds as are likely to prove dangerous to them. They 

 attack and chase indiscriminately every species of Hawk, Crow, or Vulture, 

 and on this account are much patronized by the husbandman. They fre- 

 quently follow and tease an Eagle, until he is out of sight of the Martin's 

 box; and to give you an idea of their tenacity, when they have made choice 

 of a place in which to rear their j^oung, I shall relate to you the following 

 occurrences. 



I had a large and commodious box built and fixed on a pole, for the 

 reception of Martins, in an enclosure near my house, where for some years 

 several pairs had reared their young. One winter I also put up several 

 small boxes, with a view to invite Blue-birds to build nests in them. The 

 Martins arrived in the spring, and imagining these smaller apartments more 

 agreeable than their own mansion, took possession of them, after forcing the 

 lovely Blue-birds from their abode. I witnessed the different conflicts, and 

 observed that one of the Blue-birds was possessed of as much courage as his 

 antagonist, for it was only in consequence of the more powerful blows of the 

 Martin, that he gave up his house, in which a nest was nearly finished, and 

 he continued on all occasions to annoy the usurper as much as lay in his 

 power. The Martin shewed his head at the entrance, and merely retorted 

 with accents of exultation and insult. I thought fit to interfere, mounted 



