THE MARTIN. 5.5 



Curious inscriptions Observations. 



And in the ensuing spring received, by the same 

 courier, the following answer : 



<' To Antony at Athens ; Why dost thou enquire ?*' 



The most probable conjecture on this story is, 

 that the answer was written by some one who 

 had caught the bird in Switzerland ; for both 

 Belon and Aristotle assure us, that though the 

 swallows live half the year in Greece, yet they 

 always pass the winter in Africa. 



Mr. White informs us, that for some weeks be- 

 fore the swallows depart, they (without excep- 

 tion) forsake houses and chimneys, and roost in 

 trees ; and they usually withdraw about the be- 

 ginning of October, though some few stragglers 

 may be seen at times till the first week in No- 

 vember. Mr. Pennant says, that for a few days 

 previous to their departure, they assemble in vast 

 flocks on house-tops, churches, and trees, from 

 whence they take their flight. 



MARTIN, OR WINDOW SWALLOW, 



IS inferior in size to the common swallow, and 

 its tail less forked. The head and upper parts of 

 the body, are of a glossy blue black : the breast 

 and belly are white, as, is also, the rump which 

 may be considered, as its distinctive character. 



