as in the East, where almost erery country-house, aud oren some in large cities, furnish
them with a residence, usually a neat little hotel with many apartments, each opening
on to a porch, and all mounted together on a high pole. Like Pigeons, the Martins live
in perfect harmony with their neighbours; while our other house-loving pets, tho Bluebirds
and Wrens, must have a large range of territory, and drive away intruders too near
thoir homes. Yet the Martins have courage enough, as is shown by their occasionally
driving away the smaller birds, and even Pigeons, to appropriate their quarters. They
also drive away every Ilawk or Crow that shows itself near their nest, and thus protect
poultry.
“ The loud and twittering song of tho Martin, though mixed with some harsh notes,
is remarkably pleasing, and continues during its whole stay with us, beginning at dawn,
and heard at intervals during the day as they pursue thoir prey through the higher air,
generally far above the smaller Swallows, though they sweep occasionally along the
ground. Their nest is made of leaves, straw, hay, and feathers in large quantities, and thoir
eggs, from four to six, are pure white. They probably raise two broods here, as in tbe
East. They prey on the larger flying insects that appear during the day, and none are
so swift as to escape them.”
The specimens ligured in the accompanymg Plate are two of the typical examples
kindly lent to us by Mr. Brewster, and the descriptions have been taken from tbe same
birds.
For the geographical distribution of this species, vide supra, PI,ate 82 [Map],