The dam betakes herself immediately to the business of a second
brood as soon as she is disengaged from her first; which at once
associates with the first broods of house-martins; and with them
congregates, clustering on sunny roofs, towers, and trees. This
hirundo brings out her second brood towards the middle and end of
August.
All the summer long is the swallow a most instructive pattern of
unwearied industry and affection; for, from morning to night, while
there is a family to be supported, she spends the whole day in
skimming close to the ground, and exerting the most sudden turns
and quick evolutions. Avenues, and long walks under hedges, and
pasture-fields, and mown meadows where cattle graze, are her
delight, especially if there are trees interspersed; because in such
spots insects most abound. When a fly is taken a smart snap from
her bill is heard, resembling the noise at the shutting of a watch-
case; but the motion of the mandibles are too quick for the eye.
The swallow, probably the male bird, is the excubitor to house-
martins, and other little birds, announcing the approach of birds of
prey.
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