Lhe Common Sweft. 185 
than any other of the Swallow species. I should sup- 
pose this is on account of its susceptibility to cold. It 
is also larger, and its voice is stronger than others of 
its kind. The life of this bird is divided into. two 
extremes—that of the most rapid flight and utter in- 
action, The Swift cannot alight with ease on the 
ground, as its wings are so very long and its legs won- 
derfully short; so it either darts through the air or 
remains in its hole, which is generally in the roof of 
an old house. This bird is more frequently seen early 
in the morning or after sunset, as it cannot bear the 
heat of the sun. At these times it goes out in quest 
of food, and can then be seen in flocks, wheeling round 
in circles several times in the course of a few minutes, 
and uttering a screaming whistle. Sometimes the 
Swifts will make their way down a street, at another 
time they will whirl round a church spire or other high 
building, and at such times they often glide along 
without our being able to observe the movement of a 
feather; in another second their wings are suddenly 
in fast action, but as evenly as if they were turned on 
a pivot by machinery. 
