1891. England.
July 4
(no 2)
Wells. - else the rim appeared to be quite as tightly
plastered to the eaves as was the back to the
wall. These nests were somewhat larger than
those of our Eave Swallow but they were very
similar to them in general appearance. Yesterday
I saw half a dozen or more built precisely like
those just described save that the wall to which
they were fastened was of rough stone. The tops
were attached to wooden eaves in the same way. Some
of the nests were unfinished. The birds were 
collecting mud about a puddle of water crowding
together and fluttering their wings above their backs
precisely in the manner of our Eave Swallow.
The only note which I have heard from the 
House Martin is exactly like the ordinary flight
note of Petrochelidon lunifrons but the former bird
reminds me most of our White-bellied Swallow to
which it bears a strong general resemblance in color
save that the rump is white. It seems to be
particularly attached to the neighborhood of ruins 
and ponds.
  The Swallows (H. rustica) had at least three
inhabited nests (with young), built on rafters
in an open shed in the market place. The 
nests were exactly like those of our Barn Swallow
in every way. The birds are also nesting in
the ruins of the Bishop's palace, flying in
and out through the old loop-holes or openings
which once contained windows. I have as yet
seen no evidence of their nesting in chimneys.