The Natural History of Selborne

Some martins are buliding against Mr Yaldens’ windows.  Young martins– perchers on the battlements of the tower, where the old ones feed them.

* The young martin becomes a flyer in about sixteen days from the egg: most little birds come into their maturity, or full growth, in about a fortnight: for were they to lie a long time in the nest in a helpless state, few would escape; some mischief or other would destroy the whole breed.  The more forward pulli are out some days before the underlings of the same brood.