416 
HIRUNDINIM. 
through it ; lastly, it would be thrown into the form of an arch, 
which had a singular effect, and generally when thus exhibited 
the whole body was bent like a well-strung bow, — an appearance 
which was several times observed with very high interest. Within 
a few seconds of time all these appearances were assumed by the 
one bird. It is rarely, except in the warmest and finest weather, 
and amid attractive scenery, when everything around from earth 
or sea to the sky above, is redolent of joy and beauty, that 
we feel disposed thus to pause, and patiently observe. 
On such an occasion at Mount Pagus, crowned by the ruins of 
the Castle of Smyrna, and commanding one of the most magnificent 
prospects in the world, the swallows, as they gently floated “ on 
the bosom of the air '' a few yards beneath, exhibited the tail 
expanded to such a degree, that the beautiful white portion towards 
its base was quite conspicuous ; presenting in this respect so great 
a difference from its ordinary appearance, that I did not feel certain 
at the moment, of their being our own common bird. 
White in the Natural History of Selborne (Letter 21) remarks 
of the swift, that “ in the longest days it does not withdraw to 
rest till a quarter before nine in the evening, being the latest 
of all day birds.” At Belfast, it may be seen about midsummer at 
nine, and not unfrequently for some time after that hour. I have 
noted them as heard, on the 27th of June, at a quarter after 9 
o'clock ; on the 8th of August, at five minutes after 8 o'clock, 
both days having been fine and warm ; they occasionally remain 
on wing until it is almost dark. The three species of Hirundo 
usually retire before them. 
The swift generally leaves Belfast about the 12th of August, 
but in 1840 I saw a number on the 19th of that month, 
and in 1832, on the 20th; in 1845, they appeared above the town 
as numerous as in June on the evening of the 18th, after which 
I did not see them, and the latest heard of in the neighbour- 
hood, was a single bird observed on the 22nd and 23rd; in 1833, 
I remarked about twenty in company, near Belfast, so late as 
the 30th. They were pursuing their prey most leisurely, at about 
thirty yards from the ground, many swallows and martins occu- 
