
12 THE CHIMNEY SWALLOW. 
though a bird of strong pinion, yet deprive him of the use 
of his wings, and place him on the land, and he is almost 
helpless. 
In the different species of the Picide, or Woodpecker 
family, are as many instances that the structure of birds de- 
termine whether those of certain forms build a nest or not, 
and if they do, they return to it annually to render it fit 
for a home for themselves and family during the breeding 
season. 
It is a tedious task for the chimney swallow to procure the 
material for its nest; it requires energy, skill and strength to 
perform the work. Flying with force, they grasp the point 
of the twig with their bill, and often try several times before 
they succeed in breaking it off. The female visits her former 
breeding place, and examines her nest; if it needs repairs, 
she adds more twigs and gum to it, and it is all right again. 
Thirty years ago this species of swallow was rarely found 
breeding in Essex County; now many pairs breed in almost 
every village where they find an unoccupied chimney. 
The Chimney Swallow (Cypselus pelasgius) does not pos- 
sess the easy and graceful motion when on the wing that is 
shown by the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) in his flight, 
but moving more swiftly and vigorously, they must destroy 
an innumerable number of insects in a season. It not unfre- — 
quently happens that their nest is dislodged from its place, 
and falls in consequence of rain or damp weather. When | 
such accidents happen, the whole brood is precipitated to the 
bottom of the chimney. If its members are of sufficient age 1 
and strength, they will climb up again and remain clinging 
to its sides, until fledged and able to care for themselves. 
There are occurrences happening to them which are of 
greater moment. Sometimes having selected a flue in the 1 
PHP aed leading to the bedroom, and having there brought 
orth their numerous young, and their cares — 
sat aee so as to require their labors in the night, the 
rushing whirring noise of their flight as they pass up and 
as: 



