1890. Xtama. 
Hirundo horreorum. 
* 
June 28 Martha* s V. 
The moment my buggy appeared on the plains south of Edgartown 
Barn Swallows began to collect and to follow it closely. After 
we had gone a mile there were between 30 and 40. When we stopped 
at the beach they at once left us.- On our return th ey assembled 
again gradually dropping off gradually as we approached Edgartown 
but fcken following us into the village.- They kept wholly on our 
leeward side and when we went before the wind in front of us 
skimming down wind about 30 yds.- then turning and beating back. 
The attraction was obvious. Our horse and wheels started from the 
grass that hung over the ruts countless small gray or white moths. 
About half of these that essayed a long flight were caught by 
the swallows usually within 15 feet of us. They rarely missed 
a good chance although most of these were cross shots. They 
sometimes clicked their bills audibly but usually seized their 
prey in silence.- At times there would be a dozen or more darting 
in mazy lines about the horse* s head presenting a beautiful sight, 
their steel blue backs glistening in the sunlight, their long 
forked tails sometimes wide spread, sometimes closed, the deep 
rufous under-parts shov/ing as they wheeled. My driver told me 
that nervous horses are sometimes badly frightened by them. The 
Swallows on Nantucket have a similar habit of following carriages 
> 
, across the open commons. The birds paid no attention to-day to 
dragon flies* 
12 ! 
