THE LADIES’ MAGAZINE OF GARDENING. 
55 
well kneaded together, which when dry is perfectly hard and firm. It is 
lined with feathers and other soft matters. In looking out for a corner to 
build in, the martin shows its judgment in fixing on one where there is 
space enough for the intended nest, before a particle of the foundation is 
laid. This is most observable when the Martin is examining the windows 
of a street. All those in which the frame of the window is nearly even 
with the face of the wall are rejected; but if the bird come to one where 
the frame stands half an inch or an inch back, in that, if permitted, it will 
will build. The wonder is how they can judge of the necessary space 
by the eye only, and when the difference is so trifling; but this it 
certainly can do, so as never to be obliged to give up a place once 
approved of. 
The pair always roost together in the nest, and are most affectionate to 
each other; the male feeding the hen while sitting with as much assiduity 
as they both afterwards feed their young. As their nests are always in¬ 
accessible to rats, cats, and other predacious animals, and as they mostly 
breed twice in the summer, it is astonishing to see how the company 
belonging to a single village are increased before their departure in the 
autumn. Just before that time, indeed, they congregate in vast flocks 
from all quarters of the district, and may be seen disporting high in the 
air about sunset; soon after which they go to roost, not near their old 
nests or haunts, but on the branches of willows or other trees overhanging 
a pond or river. To those trees they drop from the assembly above, one 
after another, till all have descended and seated themselves close together 
along the slender shoots which bend with their weight till the points of 
the branches almost touch the water. While the weather remains fine 
and warm enough, the Martins stay in their breeding locality for several 
days; flying about and feeding during the day and roosting in the same 
places every night. But as the cold increases they begin to want both 
food and warmth ; and fly towards the sun on mornings, and at mid-day 
they are seen taking rest, and basking in the sun on the architraves or other 
projections on the south sides of buildings. A few such morning flights will 
carry them across the English Channel, when they soon arrive in warmer 
latitudes. It may be observed, that, when either the Martins or the 
swallows are on their journey either to or from their breeding-places, 
they fly near the ground, and in a very hasty manner, keeping in a direct 
course north-westward when arriving, or south-eastward when taking 
leave. These migrations I have been for many years a witness of at my 
different residences within a circuit of forty miles round London ; and I 
have read that they keep similar courses in very distant parts of the king¬ 
dom. Their great rendezvous before quitting this country is said to be the 
