HIEUJSTDO EF8TICA. 
591 
breeding- season, although it docs commence it before leaving in March. Scores of these birds may be seen 
perched on the telegraph-wire crossing the “Lotus-pond” at Colombo, a spot which furnishes a never-failino- 
supply of insects ; and they may frequently, as in other countries, be observed seated on roofs or on some little 
eminence on the ground. As is the case in England, before leaving the island they collect in flocks, but of much 
fewer numbers, as there are no young birds to congregate together. Few birds enjoy such an immunity from 
persecution as the Swallow ; it is rarely shot except by those who are really in want of skins for scientific 
purposes. Favicr has an interesting note with reference to the Moors and the Swallow ; he says “ the Moors 
believe it offends God to kill these birds ; in the same way they believe it pleases or soothes the Evil One to 
kill the Eaven. The stories on which this superstition is founded are too long to relate ; but I was informed 
by one person that the Swallow and White Storks were inspired by Allah to protect the harvest and the 
country from noxious insects and reptiles, and that the birds themselves (knowing the benefits they confer on 
man) ask in return protection for their offspring by building their nests on the walls of towns and houses.” 
Aidijication. In India and on its northern confines (the only region we have to do with, as regards its 
nesting, in this work) the Swallow breeds during May and June. To the south of the Himalayas it breeds 
along the whole chain, from Cabool to Assam, at from 4000 to 7000 feet j it has been known to nest at Simla, 
Murree, Darjiling, Dhurumsalla, and at Asaloo on the Naga hills, in which latter place Col. Godwin-Austen 
observed it. In Turkestan, according to Dr. Scully, it makes a mud nest on the roofs of houses, the number 
of eggs laid being three or four. 
The Swallow^s nest is familiar to every Englishman ; made of little pellets of mud brought by the birds 
in their mouths from the neighbouring brooks, ponds, or muddy roads, and fixed to the side of a beam or 
rafter, or against a wall, generally below the eaves, it is quite a work of art. It is very strong and durable ; the 
very bottom foundation (as is only right and proper in architecture) is commenced first, the sides are then 
proceeded with, and then the bowed out part commenced and carefully worked at till the semicircle is complete. 
The interior is lined with a little grass and then with feathers, on which the eggs repose. The numl^r of 
eggs is usually four, pure white, spotted all over with moderately sized specks, blotches, and spots of brownish 
red. Mr. Hume describes some taken in the Himalayas, where the bird builds in the corners of verandahs, 
as freckled and mottled all over with small specks of pale brownish red. The average size of seventeen eggs 
taken in India was 0'76 by 0'53 inch. 
The subjoined woodcuts of the bill, wing, and foot of the Swift and of the Swallow will, I hope, illustrate 
to my non-scientific readers the distinguishing characters I have alluded to in this article. The wings are 
reduced, but the heads and feet are of the natural size. 
Swift {Cypselus affiais). 
Swallow {Hirundo rustka). 
