SWALLOWS. 
277 
CONGREGATING AND DISAPPEARANCE OF 
SWALLOWS. 
During the severe winds that often prevail late in the spring, it 
is not easy to say how the hirundines subsist : for they withdraw 
themselves, and are hardly ever seen, nor do any insects appear 
for their support. That they can retire to rest, and sleep away 
these uncomfortable periods, as bats do, is a matter rather to be 
suspected than proved : or do they not rather spend their time in 
deep and sheltered vales near waters, where insects are more 
likely to be found ? Certain it is, that hardly any individuals 
of this genus have at such times been seen for several days 
together. 
September 13, 1791. The congregating flocks of hirundines 
on the church and tower are very beautiful and amusing ! When 
they fly oflf together from the roof, on any alarm, they quite 
swarm in the air. But they soon settle in heaps, and preening 
their feathers, and lifting up their wings to admit the sun, seem 
highly to enjoy the warm situation. Thus they spend the heat 
of the day, preparing for their emigration, and, as it were, con- 
sulting when and where they are to go. The flight about the 
church seems to consist chiefly of house martins, about 400 in 
number: but there are other places of rendezvous about the 
village frequented at the same time. 
It is remarkable, that though most of them sit on the battle- 
ments and roofs, yet many hang or cling for some time by their 
claws against the surface of the walls, in a manner not practised 
by them at any other time of their remaining with us. 
The swallows seem to delight more in holding their assembhes 
on trees. 
November 3, 1789. Two swallows were seen this morning at 
Newton vicarage-house, hovering and settling on the roofs and 
out-buildings. None have been observed at Selborne since 
October 11. It is very remarkable, that after the hirundines 
have disappeared for some weeks, a few are occasionally seen 
again : sometimes, in the first week in November, and that only 
for one day. Do they not withdraw and slumber in some hiding 
place during the interval ? for we cannot suppose they had mi- 
grated to warmer chmes and so returned again for one day.* Is 
* Of their migration the proofs are such as will scarcely admit of a doubt. Sir Charles Wager 
