The 'cheep' of fledgeling sparrows comes from the crevices above; but swallows do not frequent solitary buildings so much as those by dwelling-houses, being especially fond of cattle-sheds where cows are milked.
The proximity of animals apparently attracts them: perhaps in the more exposed places there may be dangers from birds of prey.

As for the sparrows, they are innumerable.

Some are marked with white patches--a few so much so as to make quite a show when they fly.

One handsome cock bird has a white ring half round his neck, and his wings are a beautiful partridge-brown.

He looks larger than the common sort; and there are several more here that likewise appear to exceed in size, and to have the same peculiar brown.
After a while there came the sound of footsteps and a low but cheerful whistle.