[712] Virgil says the same of the diver, or didapper, Georg. i. 361; and Lucan Pharsalia, v. 553.
[713] Both Theophrastus and Ælian mention this.
[714] It is not known what bird is here alluded to, but Fée is probably right in suggesting a sort of sea-mew, or gull.
[715] This is still considered a prognostic of rain. Fée says that the swallow descends thus near to the surface to catch the insects on the wing which are now disabled from rising by the hygrometric state of the atmosphere.
[716] This is confirmed by experience.
[717] On the contrary, Lucan says (Pharsalia, B. v. l. 549), that on the approach of rain, the heron soars in the upper regions of the air; and Virgil says the same, Georg. i. 364.
[718] Indecorâ lasciviâ.
[719] Fée suggests that they probably do this to diminish the electric fluid with which the air is charged.
[720] Alienos sibi manipulos.
[721] This is confirmed by common experience.