The Waxwing has a very silky plumage. On its head is a crest, inclining backwards, which can, however, be erected at pleasure. Throat smooth black; back cinnamon-brown, underparts a lighter shade of the same colour. Tail black with a golden-yellow border at the end. Wings black with white bars. The outer half of the secondary wing feathers yellow, with white border at the end. The shafts of these feathers are tipped with red horny appendages like sealing-wax, which also appear on the tail feathers of the adult male. [Illustration: USEFUL. THE SWALLOW.] [Illustration] CHAPTER IV. IN THE AIR AND ON THE TREES. THE SWALLOW. (_Hirundo rustica._) The nest of the Swallow is in the shape of half a saucer, quite open, and formed of clay, into which straw and grass are cleverly kneaded. It is built in old huts, in chimneys, also under the eaves of houses, often so low, that it can easily be reached by an outstretched arm. This bird is truly a household companion with us in Hungary. The first clutch of the year consists of five to six eggs, the second which comes at Midsummer, of three or four; they are white, speckled with reddish-brown and grey. It is a pleasure for man, to observe the daily life of the Swallow. In spring it returns to its old nest, tidies it up, and then its domestic felicity begins. In the early morning light, it may be seen sitting on the roof, on the window-sill, or on a post, cleaning and arranging its plumage; then it wakes the household, with its twittering morning song. Next husband and wife begin their flight. Swift as an arrow, off they go, seizing flying insects and caressing each other on the way. The Chimney Swallow, when on the wing, utters a hasty “_Beeweest, beeweest_,” especially if it is alarmed. Its cry is a tender “_Weet_” or “_Weeda weet_.” Soon comes the brooding time; then, the young ones slip out of the eggs, and the work of feeding and educating begins. The parents take it in turns to perform these duties, which they do with the greatest industry, and even when the young ones are as big as themselves, and fully fledged, they still place them in a row on some bough, and bring them food. It is beautiful to see with what fidelity this is done. It is a sight to move heart and mind with tenderness, and this is the pet bird of our people, who care for it, and gladly give it shelter and protection; not however, that of the Southerners, who catch and cook Swallows by hundreds of thousands. * * * * *