172 
THE PURPLE MARTIN. 
of Linn^us, or that of the Hirundofuiva of Yieillot, than the flight of 
any other species of Swallow ; and, although graceful and easy, cannot be 
compared in swiftness with that of the Barn Swallow. Yet the Martin is 
fully able to distance any bird not of its own genus. They are very expert 
at bathing and drinking while on the wing, when over a large lake or 
river, giving a sudden motion to the hind part of the body, as it comes 
into contact with the water, thus dipping themselves in it, and then rising 
and shaking their body, like a water spaniel, to throw off the water. 
When intending to drink, they sail close over the water, with both wings 
greatly raised, and forming a very acute angle with each other. In this 
position, they lower the head, dipping their bill several times in quick suc- 
cession, and swallowing at each time a little water. 
They alight with comparative ease on different trees, particularly willows, 
making frequent movements of the wings and tail as they shift their place, 
in looking for leaves to convey to their nests. They also frequently alight 
on the ground, where, notwithstanding the shortness of their legs, they 
move with some ease, pick up a goldsmith or other insect, and walk to the 
edges of puddles to drink, opening their wings, which they also do when 
on trees, feeling as if not perfectly comfortable. 
These birds are extremely courageous, persevering, and tenacious of 
what they consider their right. They exhibit strong antipathies against 
cats, dogs, and such other quadrupeds as are likely to prove dangerous to 
them. They attack and chase indiscriminately every species of Hawk, 
Crow, or Vulture, and on this account are much patronized by the husband- 
man. They frequently follow and tease an Eagle, until he is out of sight 
of the Martin’s box ; and to give you an idea of their tenacity, when they 
have made choice of a place in which to rear their young, I shall relate to 
you the following occurrences. 
I had a large and commodious box built and fixed on a pole, for the 
reception of Martins, in an enclosure near my house, where for some years 
several pairs had reared their young. One winter I also put up several 
small boxes, with a view to invite Blue-birds to build nests in them. The 
Martins arrived in the spring, and imagining these smaller apartments more 
agreeable than their own mansion, took possession of them, after forcing the 
lovely Blue-birds from their abode. I witnessed the different conflicts, and' 
observed that one of the Blue-birds was possessed of as much courage as his 
antagonist, for it was only in consequence of the more powerful blows of the 
Martin, that he gave up his house, in which a nest was nearly finished, and 
he continued on all occasions to annoy the usurper as much as lay in his 
power. The Martin shewed his head at the entrance, and merely retorted 
with accents of exultation and insult. I thought fit to interfere, mounted 
