[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR•"] SIR,—With reference to
Mr. W. H. Gleuny's letter in youi impression of May 4th, it may be interesting to note then . scarcity of swallows in this island during the last two years. I don't think I have seen a dozen here yet this year, though, there are more gnats than urinal. For six years large numbers, of swallows built in the cornice and window eaves of our water tower, which they appear now to have quite deserted. On asking the manager of the works if he had noticed this fact,. he replied that he had, and didn't wonder at it. It seems... that the late manager was found drowned in the tank at the- top of the tower about two years ago, and his successor• believes that the swallows have deserted their nests in cones- quence. I wonder if any such belief exists in other parts of the country. The food exists in great quantities, but theref are hardly any swallows.—I am, Sir, &c., JOHN GLAS SANDEMAN.
Whin-Hurst, Hayling Island, Havant.
[Is it possible that the swallows are deserting us because,. owing to the disease, our bee population has been so greatly reduced? It may be that bee-hunting is a sport absolutely necessary to the swallow.—ED. Spectator.]
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