PURPLE MARTIN. 
157 
a peculiar softness, and his gratulations are expressive of much 
tenderness. Conjugal fidelity, even where there is a number 
together, seems to be faithfully preserved by these birds. 
On the 25th of May, a male and female Martin took posses- 
sion of a box in Mr Bartram’s garden. A day or two after, 
a second female made her appearance, and staid for several 
days ; but, from the cold reception she met with, being fre- 
quently beat off by the male, she finally abandoned the place, 
and set off, no doubt, to seek for a more sociable companion. 
The Purple Martin, like his half-cousin the King Bird, is 
the terror of Crows, Hawks, and Eagles. These he attacks 
whenever they make their appearance, and with such vigour 
and rapidity, that they instantly have recourse to flight. So 
well known is this to the lesser birds, and to the domestic 
poultry, that, as soon as they hear the Martin’s voice engaged 
in fight, all is alarm and consternation. To observe with 
what spirit and audacity this bird dives and sweeps upon and 
around the Hawk or the Eagle is astonishing. He also 
bestows an occasional bastinading on the King Bird when he 
finds him too near his premises; though he will, at any 
time, instantly co-operate with him in attacking the common 
enemy. 
The Martin differs from all the rest of our Swallows in the 
particular prey which he selects. Wasps, bees, large beetles, 
particularly those called by the boys goldsmiths , seem his 
favourite game. I have taken four of these large beetles 
from the stomach of a Purple Martin, each of which seemed 
entire, and even unbruised. 
The flight of the Purple Martin unites in it all the swift- 
ness, ease, rapidity of turning, and gracefulness of motion of 
its tribe. Like the Swift of Europe, he sails much with little 
action of the wings. He passes through the most crowded 
parts of our streets, eluding the passengers with the quickness 
of thought; or plays among the clouds, gliding about at a 
vast height, like an aerial being. His usual note, peuo, peuo , 
peuo, is loud and musical; but is frequently succeeded by 
