298 
MIGRATION OF SWALLOWS. 
day. On inquiring of the inhabitants if this was a 
usual occurrence, 1 was answered in the affirmative by 
all the French and Spaniards. From this date to the 
22d, the thermometer averaged 65°, the weather 
generally a drizzly fog. Swallows playing over the 
city in thousands. 
“ November 25. — Thermometer this morning at 30° 
Ice in New Orleans a quarter of an inch thick. The 
swallows resorted to the lee of the Cypress Swamp, in 
the rear of the city. Thousands were flying in different 
flocks. Fourteen were killed at a single shot, all in 
perfect plumage, and very fat. The markets were 
abundantly supplied with these tender, juicy, and 
delicious birds. Saw swallows every day ; but remarked 
them more plentiful the stronger the breeze blew from 
the sea. 
“December 20. — The weather continues much the 
same. Foggy and drizzly mist. Thermometer averaging 
63°. 
“ January 14. — Thermometer 42°. Weather con- 
tinues the same. My little favourites constantly in view. 
“ January 28. — Thermometer at 40°. Having seen 
the Hirundo viridis continually, and the 11. purpurea , 
or purple martin, beginning to appear, I discontinued 
my observations. 
“ During the whole winter, many of them retired to 
the holes about the houses; but the greater number 
resorted to the lakes, and spent the night among the 
branches of Myrica cerifera , the drier , as it is termed 
by the French settlers. 
“ About sunset, they began to flock together, calling 
to each other for that purpose; and, in a short time, 
presented the appearance of clouds moving towards the 
lakes, or the mouth of the Mississippi, as the weather 
and wind suited. Their aerial evolutions before they 
alight, are truly beautiful. They appear at first as if 
reconnoitring the place, when, suddenly throwing 
themselves into a vortex of apparent confusion, they 
descend spirally with astonishing quickness, and very 
much resemble a trombe , or water spout. When within 
