1905 
June 15 
Swifts 
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There are apparently four pairs of Swifts established 
on this place. One pair occupy a chimney in the Bungalow, 
there are two pairs inthe chimneys of the old house and one 
pair in the lowest chimney of the Ritchie house. I saw one 
of the last named birds drop into the chimney this evening 
carrying a short twig held crossways in its bill . A dead 
bird was found in one of the chambers of this house a few 
days ago. One came down the parlor flue of the farm-house 
last evening and fluttered against the fire screen for some 
time. When I let it out into the room, it flew feebly 
about for a few seconds and then fluttered down to the floor 
where it lay with outstretched wings. I caught it and, 
thrusting my arm up the flue, released it when it mounted 
up ward and, judging by the sound of its wings, flew straight 
rumble 
out of the chimney. It is pleasant to hear the rumtel-iags 
of Swifts' wings and afterwards their joyous twittering as 
they drop into our chimney when we are at tea these warm 
evenings. I saw five together to-night, careering just over 
the tops of our elms. 
