396 
HIRUNDINIM. 
What appears to me the most singular feature in this case is, 
that the sparrow would remain in the nest, and allow itself to be 
entombed alive. But this bird was sitting on the full complement 
of eggs, probably in the last stage of incubation, at which period 
we know that some birds leave the nest only to procure such a 
scanty morsel as will barely support life. Occasionally, at such 
times, they allow themselves to be lifted off their eggs, and when 
placed on again, continue to sit as intently as if they had not 
been disturbed. The filling up of the aperture is not in itself a 
singular proceeding on the part of the martin ; * but on this 
occasion, when the assistance of their neighbours was called in, 
would almost seem to be intended as an act of retributive justice 
on the sparrow. Their building against the side of the old nest 
is quite a common occurrence. 
I have heard the call of this species exerted, to the no little 
annoyance of persons engaged in the cruel task of pulling down 
their nests, when the sufferers become as vociferous as their 
“ weak voices " will permit, and thereby attract their^ neigh- 
bours from all quarters. These make common cause with them, 
by endeavouring to deter the spoiler from his work of destruc- 
tion, “ occasionally flying boldly, and at the risk of their lives, 
within reach of his outstretched hand , and again, with all the 
eloquence they can master, seeming most piteously to claim the 
edifice as theirs." t Martins are generally silent birds, but when 
congregrated for migration, their call is often almost incessantly 
uttered. 
* Mr. Blackwall, in his Researches in Zoology, states, that a pair of martins, on 
returning in the spring to the nest of the preceding year, endeavoured to dislodge 
the bodies of their young, which had been deserted ; hut finding their efforts in vain, 
“ closed up the aperture with clay, thus converting the nest into a sepulchre.” 
f Audubon (Ann. of Lyc., vol. i. p. 165) mentions a similar trait in the history of 
an American species, Hirundo fulva , in the following words : — “ The energy with 
which they defended their nests was truly astonishing. Although I had taken pre- 
caution to visit their nests at sunset, when I had supposed they would all have been 
on the sycamores, yet a single female happened to be sitting, and she gave the alarm, 
which immediately called out the whole tribe. They snapped at my hat, my body, 
and my legs, passed between me and the nests within an inch of my face, twittering 
their rage and sorrow. They continued their attacks as I descended, and accom- 
panied me some distance.” 
