This I take to be the
juncture when the business of generation is carrying on.
As the swift eats, drinks, collects materials for its nest, and, at it
seems, propagates on the wing; it appears to live more in the air
than any other bird, and to perform all functions there save those of
sleeping and incubation.
This hirundo differs widely from its congeners in laying invariably
but two eggs at a time, which are milk-white, long, and peaked at
the small end; whereas the other species lay at each brood from
four to six. It is a most alert bird, rising very early, and retiring to
roost very late; and is on the wing in the height of summer at least
sixteen hours. In the longest days it does not withdraw to rest till a
quarter before nine in the evening, being the latest of all day birds.
Just before they retire whole groups of them assemble high in the
air, and squeak, and shoot about with wonderful rapidity. But this
bird is never so much alive as in sultry thundry weather, when it
expresses great alacrity, and calls forth all its powers.
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