24 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE, 
suppose that they do not leave their wild haunts at all, but are 
secreted amidst the clefts and caverns of those abrupt cliffs, 
where they usually spend their summers. 
“The late severe weather considered, it is not very probable 
that these birds should have migrated so early from a tropical 
region, through all these cutting winds and pinching frosts ; 
but it is easy to suppose that they may, like bats and flies, - 
have been awakened by the influence of the sun, amidst their 
secret lurking-places, where they have spent the uncomfortable 
foodless months in a torpid state, and in the profoundest of 
slumbers. 
“There is a large pond at Wishhanger, which induces 
these sand-martins to frequent that district. For I have ever 
remarked that they haunt near great waters, either rivers or 
lakes.” 
Somewhat later White writes : — “ During the severe winds 
that often prevail late in the spring, it is not easy to say how 
the hirundines subsist ; for they withdraw themselves, and are 
hardly ever seen, nor do any insects appear for their support. 
That they can retire to rest, and sleep away these uncomfort- 
able periods, as bats do, is a matter rather to be suspected than 
proved; or do they not rather spend their time in deep and 
sheltered vales near waters, where insects are more likely to 
be found? Certain it is, that hardly any individuals of this” 
genus have at such times been seen for several days together. 
“September 13th, 1791. The congregating flocks of hirun- 
dines on the church and tower are very beautiful and amusing. 
When they fly off together from the roof, on any alarm, they 
quite swarm in the air. But they soon settle in heaps, and 
preening their feathers, and lifting up their wings to admit the 
sun, seem highly to enjoy the warm situation. Thus they 
spend the heat of the day, preparing for their emigration, and, 
as it were, consulting when and where they are to go. The 
flight about the church seems to consist chiefly of house- 
