588 
BIRD-LIFE. 
by a band of these courageous, sport-loving creatures, and 
followed and mobbed by them with loud cries, until driven 
out of their immediate beat. There are only two of our 
birds of prey who are at all able to catch these active 
birds, namely, the Merlin (Falco cesalon) and the Hobby 
(F. subbuteo). As soon, however, as either of these two 
Hawks appears, the Swallows are seized with a panic, and 
the bold challenge-cry of “ bevist ” is quickly changed to a 
terrified “ devilick,” while they beat a precipitate retreat. 
The Hawks above named are, however, only capable of 
making a capture, either by dashing without any warning 
amongst a flock of Swallows, or by hunting them in pairs ; 
in the latter case one Hawk chases the quarry, while the 
other waits for an opportunity to strike. Besides these 
birds of prey they have other enemies, such as cats, 
marten-cats, weasels, and even rats, who principally limit 
their attention to the young brood. 
The Swallow begins to build its artistic nest in the 
month of May: it is placed inside houses and sheds, 
always under shelter, and against walls or beams close 
to the roof; it is in the shape of a quarter of a sphere, 
adhering to the wall, and is constructed of sandy loam 
or mud, which is brought in small pieces by both the 
old birds from some moist spot, and is then built up 
intermingled with pieces of straw, hay, or long horse¬ 
hair, which serve to strengthen the edifice; the lower 
portion is always thicker than the top, in full accordance 
with the laws of gravitation; the nest is lined inside 
with soft materials, such as feathers, hair, pieces of wool, 
as well as with fine grass or hay. In sheltered localities 
it becomes very hard and durable ; indeed Swallow’s nests 
have been sometimes known to last upwards of twelve or 
fifteen years, having been used twice every year. It is 
