Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1889-08-09
THE BARN SWALLOW.

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lily In Ease and Celebrity.
Nearly q hundred species Of swal-
lows and a score or more of swifts a
recognized by naturalists. North
America. exclusive of Mexico, is
favored with seven of the former and
four OF the latter, while only three
species of swallows and one or two
OF swifts come regularly to Europe.
Our common or ''barn" swallow Is
very similar to the European chimney
swallow, and, in fact, may here be-
considered as identical. the specific
distinctions being feebly marked. l.
both continents the barn swallow. to
use the least confusing term, Is the
favorite Of his family. and is the on'y
bird commonly called ''swallow" In
Europe, both of the remaining species
being termed martins" He exceeds
all others Of the better-known swal-
lows in ease and celebrity of motion.
and IN the cheerful confidence with
which he regards human kind. fancy
he does not often place his nest in the
chimneys of modern England. howev-
er convenient he may have found those
structures as built in ancient days.
Barns and out-buildings are his favor
tie summer homes; but in default OF
these, in wild places, q convenient
spot about a cliff or quarry is utilized.
His twittoring notes, though not in
any sense a '!song." are aIways agree.
able. and when heard, some breezy
summer afternoon. among the rafters
OF a rOomy old barn, when one Is ly-
ing in n half-lethargic state upon the
Eew-mown hay, are certainly the most
pleasant and soothing of rural sounds.
Barn swallows nests are usually made
on beam or rafter, or plastic ed to
the side of those supports. The ma
terial is mud. mixed with fine hay and
grass, and strengthened with the glu-
tinous saliva Of the bird. The eggs
ore white, thickly spotted with brown,
Us are those also of the cliff swallow.
All the rest of our swallows. together
with the swifts, have pure white eggs.
Young barn swallows are not for some
time able to follow the aerial evolu-
tions Of their parents. owing to the
slow growth Of the long outer tail
feathers that serve So admirably to
balance the adults. They spend much
Of their time at rest, and even ulight
on the ground TO pick up insects.
Notwithstanding their wonderful
command OF the air, swallows are ap-
parently as much exhausted by long
migration as birds Of far inferior Volt
torial powers. During the passage of
n mi nj o1s ,hA
upon every passing vessel, and even
fall into the sea. The ordinary speed
OF the barn swallow has been estimated
ut u mile minute, which rate. main
tanned for few hours, would easily
enable them 10 compass any stretch Of
water that may lie in their way.
In ancient times swallows were the
subject OF many strange tales and ia
bles. but were uniformly respected as
the winged messengers OF spring. It
was always thought unlucky to kill
them, and o survival Of these super
stitions is now sometimes noticed in
remote districts, where the killing OF
barn swallow /, supposed TO cause
cows to give bloody milk, and tho nest
ing OF these agreeable birds in % barn
to protect it from lightning. Long
may such notions pass current, If they
serve to save the swallows; for it sure,
ly Is bad luck to harm creatures 50
useful and pleasing. Wilson, i'm al
luding to this matter, acutely remarks:
when the tenets Of superstition lean
to the side OF humanity, one can heart
lily respect them" and am sure VIC
all heartily agree with him. st. Loui:
Globe Democrat