THE HOUSE MARTIN. 
119 
the edge in order to permit the ingress and egress of the birds. Sometimes, however, the nest 
is supported on a kind of solid pedestal, composed also of mud, and often containing nearly 
as much material as would have made an ordinary nest. These pedestals are generally con- 
structed in spots where the Martin finds that her nest does not find adequate support from 
the wall. 
The material of which the nests are built is said to consist principally of the finely pulver- 
ized mold which is swallowed by earthworms as they feed, and is ejected at the surface of the 
ground in the well-known “casts” that often disfigure our lawns, and excite the wrath of the 
gardener. This substance is evidently well moistened and kneaded before it is applied, and 
it is very probable that the bird 
may supply some viscid secretion 
which renders it more tenacious. 
The exterior of the nest is very 
rough, but has a picturesque ap- 
pearance by reason of that very 
roughness. 
When once they have at- 
tached themselves to any locality, 
the Martins are thorough conserv- 
atives in their feelings, and set 
their faces against any alteration 
or improvement. One of my 
friends, on finding that these lit- 
tle birds were beginning to build 
their nests under the eaves of his 
house, was desirous of attracting 
them to his residence and afford- 
ing them the best hospitality in 
his power. He therefore ordered 
a kind of verandah to be erected 
along the side of the house, so 
that the Martins might find a 
better shelter than was afforded 
by the shallow eaves. The birds, 
however, took a different view of 
the matter ; deserted the nests 
which had already been built, and 
never came back again. 
SWALLOW .— Hirundo rustica. 
HOUSE MAETIN. — Chelidon urbica. 
In all cases the House Mar- 
tins exhibit a strong dislike to 
smooth walls. Stucco they de- 
test, and only tolerate new brick when they can find no other resting-place. But their chief 
delight is in walls that are covered with rough cast, or that are built of roughened stone. 
They also take advantage of any projection, such as a spout or a piece of sculpture, and 
employ it as a foundation on which they may rest their domiciles. 
Not only is the Martin capricious in choosing certain points of the compass, but also in 
fixing upon a locality wherein to build its habitation, it exhibits no small fancifulness. Gen- 
erally it affects human dwellings, and rests safely under the protection of their inmates ; but 
it will often fly far from the presence of man, and build its nest in uninhabited spots. Pre- 
cipitous rocks of various kinds, whether limestone, sandstone, or chalk, are frequently studded 
with the nests of the Martin. The basaltic rocks of the Giant’ s Causeway are in great favor 
with this bird,, which has even been known to plant its nests thickly in the arches of a bridge. 
i 
