THE SWALLOW. 43 



Description. 



CHAP. II. 



The Swallow oft beneath my thatch 

 Shall twitter from her clay-built nest, 



Oft shall the pilgrim lift the latch, 

 And share ray meal, a welcome guest. 



ROGERS. 



THE SWALLOW. 



THERE are said to be upwards of six and thir^ 

 ty distinct species of this tribe, but only seven 

 ox eight are known in these climates. The com- 

 mon house or chimney swallow in general mea- 

 sures about six inches from the point of the bill 

 to the end of the tail, and from the tip of the 

 one wing to the tip of the other, when extended, 

 seldom less than eleven or twelve; and commonly 

 weigh from fourteen to fifteen drachms. They 

 have a short black bill, but very broad at the 

 base, so that they are enabled to open their 

 mouths very wide ; they have large eyes of an 

 hazel colour; the head, neck, and upper parts of 

 the body, are of a fine shining purplish blue, 

 with an orange-coloured spot above the bill, and 

 another of the same colour underneath; the breast 



