[ '98 } 



This feems to ariie from its being feen in fuch numbers during 

 the fummer, from its appearing almoft always on the wing," and 

 from its feeding in that pofition ; from which two latter circum- 

 ftances it is fuppoicu to be the befb adapted for fuch difhnt mi- 

 grations 



And firft, let us confidcr, from the few facts or reafons we have 

 to guide us in the diicufiion, what length of flight either a fwallow 

 or any o':her bird is probably equal to. 



A fwallow, it is true, feems to be always on the wing ; but I 

 have frequently attended, as much as I could, to the motions of a 

 particular one ; and it hath appeared to me, that the bird com- 

 monly returned to its neft in eight or ten minutes : as for extent 

 of flight, I believe I may venture to fay, that thefe birds are fel- 

 dom a quarter of a mile from their mate or young ones ; they 

 feed whilft on the wing, and are perpetually turning fhort round 

 , to catch the infects, who endeavour to illude them as a hare does 

 a greyhound. 



I have fometimes feen fwallows in a church, into which they 

 had entered through a broken window ; thefe birds fled backwards 

 and forwards for perhaps ten minutes ; but then always perched to 

 reft themfelves. It therefore feems to me, that fwallows are 

 by no means equal to long flights, from their practice during 

 their fummer refidence with us. 



I have long attended to the motions of birds ; and it hath always 

 appeared to me, that they are never on the wing for amufement (as 

 we walk or ride), but merely in fearch of food. 



The only bird winch I have ever obferved to fly without any 

 particular point of direction, is the rook, which will, when 

 the wind is high, 



" Ride in the whirlwind, and enjoy the ftorm." 



They 



