120 
IN SESSORES. 
stem. This was the place at which the Swallows en- 
tered. On closely examining the tree, I found it 
hard, hut hollow to near the roots. It was now about 
four o’clock in the afternoon, in the month of July. 
Swallows were flying over Jeffersonville, Louisville, 
and the woods around, but there were none near the 
tree. I proceeded home, and shortly after returned 
on foot. The sun was going down behind the Silver 
Hills ; the evening was beautiful ; thousands of 
Swallows were flying closely above me ; and three or 
four at a time were pitching into the hole, like bees 
hurrying into their hive. I remained, my head lean- 
ing on the tree, listening to the roaring noise made 
within by the birds as they settled and arranged 
themselves, until it was quite dark, when I left the 
place, although I was convinced that many more had 
to enter. T did not pretend to count them, for the 
number was too great, and the birds rushed to the 
entrance so thick as to baffle the attempt. 
“Next morning I was early enough to reach the 
place long before the least appearance of daylight, 
and placed my head against the tree. All was silent 
within. I remained in that posture probably twenty 
minutes, when suddenly I thought the great tree was 
giving way, and coming down upon me. Instinc- 
tively I sprung from it; but when I looked up to it 
again, what was my astonishment to see it standing 
as firm as ever. The Swallows were now pouring out 
in a black, continuous stream. I ran back to my post, 
and listened in amazement to the noise within, which 
I could compare to nothing else than the sound of a 
