care is taken by such birds, than by the semi-domesticated ones, in constructing their nests. The chosen 
cavity is generally cleared of every movable thing, before a straw is laid. The materials of the old nest 
being, as a rule, torn out by the Martins before they begin the construction of the new. This is often 
a considerable task, and occupies as much time, if not more, than was consumed in its construction. 
EGGS: 
The number of eggs in a set varies from four to six ; five is the ordinary complement. They are a 
pure white, without much, if any, polish. Some are even dull and rough. The shell often has the ap- 
pearance of being rough-ground, and is sometimes marked with irregular raised lines about the crown, 
such as are frequently seen on hens’ eggs. They measure, in long-diameter, from .90 to 1.02; and, in 
short-diameter, from .62 to .74; average size, about .97 x .68. 
DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 
The size and shape of the egg, when normal, together with its unmarked white shell, will easily 
identify it. The nest without, or even with the eggs, is not usually of much value, and can not with cer- 
tainty be always identified. 
REMARKS : 
Plate XXVIII illustrates an old-fashioned Martin-box, with its female occupant. The house is such 
as was formerly erected at nearly every cabin, and such as is still to be seen in certain sections of the 
State. Now, boxes are generally made, representing dwelling-houses, churches, or court-houses. These are 
often handsomely painted, and placed upon posts or house-tops ; but I doubt if they are any more accept- 
able to the birds than the old-time gourd, — with a hole cut in the side for an entrance, and a piece of 
branch driven in just beneath it for a perch, — tied to a long pole set in the ground, or fastened in an up- 
right position to a fence or gate-post. 
The Martin is a watchful and pugnacious bird, and on this account his friendship is frequently culti- 
vated, and his qualities utilized by giving him a home in the vicinity of the poultry-yard, thereby assur- 
ing protection against the depredations of the Hawk. Tie delights in maintaining his own rights, and 
often has combats with the Bluebird, House Sparrow, and Wren, for the possession of a building site, each 
of which, generally has the advantage over the Martin, in being thoroughly quartered before the latter 
arrives ; but, notwithstanding this fact, I think the Martin is usually victorious. 
Although the species is single brooded, like most other birds they will lay a number of sets of eggs, 
if robbed. When the young are hatched, the parents become exceedingly noisy. Long before day, and 
often during the night, the males attempt what they seem to consider a song. This consists of a series 
of noises resembling somewhat those produced by saw-filing, gritting the teeth, an ungreased wagon wheel, 
and’ the like. If a colony of birds have nests near your bed-room, you are, perhaps, already familiar with the 
sounds. But, notwithstanding, the song is disagreeable in early morning, there is, later in the day, a 
cheerfulness and happiness about every action of the bird, which, at such a time, makes him an agreeable 
though noisy companion. After the young are large enough to fly, they collect in flocks, as evening ap- 
proaches, and fly about in search of roosting places. When they find a good locality they return to it 
for a number of evenings, thus becoming a great nuisance to the shop-keepers, who sometimes fire roman- 
candles at them, to break up the roost. By the first of September they are no longer to be seen or heard, 
having departed to the South. 
108 
