HO USE-MA ETIN.
work abom windows (the sides iti sonic instances adhering to tlic glass, and entirely preventing tho o]>etiiug
of 1 lit- framci, under the caves of houses, and oiiasioiinlly under porches and otlicr inconvenient positions.
No wonder careful housewives frequently cull out against the dirt and filth, to sny nothing of the extra
work Mused by the pertinacity with which this persevering bird will return to some undesirable spot,
after all traces of the offending materials have lieen carefully removal and ctfaeed. In the spring of 1S7H, I
noticed these birds so eager to obtain quarters against the west face of a house in East Norfolk, that their
inud-fornied cradles (some occupied and others either incomplete or deserted) stretched in an almost
unbroken line from side to side. Tiro or three ucsts 1 remarked were commenced immediately below others,
and were built up in such a manner that it was evident, if cunlinued in the same style, they must
effectually block the entrances of the two above them. The progress was unusually slow, as the structures
were at least twice the ordinary size; I discovered, however, as the work approached completion, that they
were contracted towards the upper portion, and in not the slightest degree interfered with the neighbouring,
domiciles. Several of the adjoining nests were also of greater length than those Usually seen, the entrances
being placed, in almost every instance, about the centre of the editiee. The smalt sketch will give an idea
of the manner in which some of these curiously fashioned nests were constructed.
To show tin: rapidity with which this species now and then decreases in numbers in some localities, 1
may stale that • b i l e in 1 8 7 8 Ihere were seventy-live occupied nests round this house, there was hut a single
one in 1S7'J. Though several more nests were built in the following year, and they hare now slowly
increased, the birds have by no means reached their former nuniliers.
In many wild localities where houses are scarce, Martins resort to rocks and cliffs, for breeding-purposes.
Then- arc two or three small colonies along the rocks below the nuns of Tantallon Castle, on the coast of East
Lulhlan. A far larger number may he found during the summer frequenting the Cromarty rocks jthe same
range occupied by the Swifts). In many of these situations it is extremely difficult to detect the nests—
the height at which they are placed, and the materials with which they are constructed, rendering their
appearance almost identical bath in colour and outline with the cliffs themselves.
The ignorance often displayed concerning the difference between the two species Swallows and Martins
is cerlainly astonishing when it is considered in what universal estimation these birds are held in most parts
of the country. An author, who is often quoted by ornithological writers, gave some interesting information
concerning a Sparrow who had Ipprofwiuted n Swallow's nest being built in by the rightful owners. It is, of
course, obvious that the birds must have been Martins. Though I never noticed the usurper served in this
well-merited fashion, I have seen the unfortunate Martins driven from their nests ou uumhcrlcss occasions.
Only a few weeks back, one of the illustrated weeklies favoured its readers with an engraving rntitlcd the
return of the Swallows. In this work of art a number of birds, evidently intended for Swallows, were
represented hanging in graceful attitudes on some Martins' nests sussMsaded under the eaves of n house.
1I01'S1>MAI!TIN
When authors and artists who profess to describe and depict the habits of the birds exhibit such a scanty
amount of knowledge, the ignorance of the general public is scarcely to In" wondered at.
l i k e the rest of the family, this species is not only perfectly harmless to gardeners and farmers, but
it confers an huMimahle boon on all by ridding the air of millions of noxious insects.
The movements of the large bodies or .Marlins and Swallows that collect on the south coast previous to
their departure in the autumn arc extremely perplexing : one day a continuous stream passes towards the
cast, and ou Ihe follow ing it is quite possible the greater number may he making their way towards the west.
Their Might, like that of the Tipils and a few otlicr small birds, is usually supposed Lit Is' governed, to a certain
extent, by the wind. 1 noted down the direction taken by tin' House-Mart ins and Swallows w bile passing
over the marshes along the coast between Sborebam and Worthing on hall'-a-ilo/.en occasions during the first
three weeks in October l s s i \ The wind and weather at the time the observations were made are also recorded.
This extract from my notes will give some slight idea of Ihe movements of Ihe birds:—
" October 2nd. Strong wind, west south-west. Immense numbers of Housc-Mnrtius and Swallows living
due east before the wind ; thousands continued passing till II p.it.
"October Jtrd. Wind west and north-west; weather tine. House-Marlins and Swallows noticed on wing
all the morning. These birds were not pursuing any settled course; some cast, some west, aud others out
"October Dili. Wind south ; weather line. I louse-Mart ins and Swallows Hying cast during morning and
midday. Numbers observed making their way out to sea between -1 P.M. and 5 P.M.
"October 10th, Wind south-east; weather dull and line. A few IIousc-.Martins and thousands of
Swallows living east.
" October 13th. Wind north-east; weather fine. House-Martins and Swallows llyiug east.
" October 10th. Wind south ; weather line. Alter midday, wind strong from south-west. In the early
morning a few House-Martins aud Swallows dying east. After L0 A.At. the numbers increased, aud a continued
stream kept passing before the wind Up till 11 r.M."
It will lie seen that on five days out of six the greater number of the birds were pas-ing from w> st to cast.
On former years when I noted their movements in Ihe same locality, the course they followed while on fiight
was in exactly opposite directions on several consecutive days.