SWALLOWS. 
51 
the main part of the house by an open court, but 
connected with it by a covered passage, supported 
by posts, and open to the south. In the comer of 
the passage, close to the kitchen-door, a bracket was 
placed for holding a lamp, which was taken down to 
be trimmed every day, and lighted every evening. 
On that bracket a Swallow, and it is believed the 
same Swallow, built her nest for three or four years, 
quite regardless of the removal or light of the lamp, 
and the constant passing and repassing of the ser- 
vants. On the opposite side of the same open 
court, the great house-bell was hung, under a 
wooden cover, fastened to the north wall of the 
house. It was a large bell, and was rung several 
times a-day to call the servants to their meals. 
Under the wooden cover of this bell, the same 
Swallow, it is believed, which had formerly built on 
the bracket for the lamp, built a nest for several 
years, and never was in the least disturbed by the 
ringing of the bell, or the rattling of the rope. 
CURIOUS NEST OF A SWALLOW. 
