54 
BIRD LIFE IN WASHINGTON 
fast to the others until the homes are 
complete. 
Queer little masons are building queer 
little homes. The homes look like bowls. 
They are rough looking bowls for they are 
made of mud marbles plastered together. 
The evening air around this place is 
literally alive with Barn Swallows, 
sweeping the sky for insects. 
These birds pay a heavy rent in our 
village. I wonder sometimes at their un¬ 
varying faith in us. Why do tliev con- 
tinue to come! Upon the side walks, 
under the ruined homes, I have often 
seen the dying baby swallows gasping for 
breath. 
There are still a few boys who do not 
measure any pain save that which comes 
to themselves. To them a tiny, mangled, 
starving bird makes no appeal. 
Photo by the Author 
NEST OF BARN SWALLOWS 
