31 AUGUST 1934, Page 20

SARDINES TO SWALLOW

. [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]

Six,—An unconventional Herefordshire swallow has just hatched five eggs laid in a small low oval glass which Nature intended for sardines in oil. This glass happened to be on a beam in our summer house, not six feet from the floor, so in a good position for observation. The birds first secured the glass to the wood with mud (partly cow dung), but did not trouble to conceal it. Sparsely lined with dry grass and feathers, it is serving them for their last brood. A similar vessel nearby is also partly lined, and then rejected as a dwelling-place.—I am, Sir, &c.,

MARGARET ROBINSON.

Woodside, Eastnor, Ledbury, Herefordshire.