SWALLOW.
G W E N N O L . GWEMTOL, OF T H E A N C I E N T B R I T I S H.
CHIMNEY SWALLOW. COMMON SWALLOW. RED-FRONTED SWALLOW.
Hirundo ruxtica, LINN^US. PF.NNANI.
Hirundo domestica, RAY. BRISSON.
Hirundo—A Swallow. Rustica—Of or belonging to the country.
THE Swallow, so called, is a permanent resident in the tropical
parts of the western coast of Africa, but is said to be less numerous
there in the rainy season than at other times: it appears also to be a
native of Abyssinia, and to dwell there throughout the year. It is
believed, however, that those only which migrate, build, and that those
which remain, do not. In Europe, it visits the less frigid parts of
Russia, the Orinnea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Lapland, as likewise
Italy, and the southern countries. It is found as well in Asia Minor,
and in Siberia; and Temminek includes it among the birds of Japan.
In some places it is said to be less frequent than in the good old
times. This observation however must be taken 'cum grano salis,' for,
as Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, has properly pointed out, in particular
months, and in particular years, they, all of a sudden, become as
numerous as they had previously been scarce, and this even, sometimes,
without any apparent particular change of weather or wind.
'Although arriving in large nights upon our coasts, they afterwards
disperse, and penetrate bv degrees further into the country: a few
alone at first are seen among us, coursing in their never-ending chase
for food: by degrees their numbers thicken, until the air is again
peopled by this interesting race.
The Swallow always makes friends among us; its useful and harndess
life and social habits attract our notice, and its familiar approaches to
our dwellings make it looked upon as half-domesticated; it lives among
us, yet independent, requiring of us nothing but quiet possession of
VOL. n. M