46 
SWALLOWS. 
ertion the bird used, being a languid expansion of the 
wings for preserving its seat, which it did h y grasping 
its claws, so firmly as to draw blood from the hand. 
In the course of the day he collected twenty, con- 
fining them at large in a room. 
“ On their first introduction they perched them- 
selves on various parts, and appeared as languid as 
their neighbours out of doors. In a short time, one, 
which had placed itself on the mantel-piece near a 
small fire, was observed to become more lively, 
moving its head with a good deal of animation, and 
seeming to enjoy the warmth. On this the fire was 
increased, and the air in the room considerably 
warmed. On which the little prisoners soon became 
more sprightly, and flew about the room as rapidly 
as on a Summer's day in the open air. Between 
eight and nine o'clock the main body went off, with 
the exception of five or six, and were absent for 
about two hours, when they returned in seemingly 
greater numbers than before, and remained till the 
following morning ; when, between nine and ten 
o'clock there appeared a great commotion amongst 
them, and within a few minutes they all took their 
departure in a south-east direction, appearing to 
have entirely cast aside their torpidity, and to be as 
full of animation as ever. Their flight was at a 
great height, further than the eye could reach, to 
which they rose by several circumvolutions, that is, 
flying round in large circles, just as Kites and 
Ravens do when they soar. About half an hour 
after they had flown off, two of those confined in the 
room were released. For about half a minute they 
flew exactly in the contrary direction from their 
