OF SELBORNE. 263 
noticed because a common occurrence; yet ought 
not to be overlooked on account of its being famil. 
iar, since it would be as difficult to be explained 
as the most stupendous phenomenon in nature. 
“‘ Say, what impels, amid surrounding snow 
Congeal’d, the crocus’ flamy bud to glow? 
Say, what retards, amid the summer’s blaze, 
Th’ autumnal bulb, till pale, declining days? 
The Gop or SEASONS, whose pervading power 
Controls the sun, or sheds the fleecy shower: 
He bids each flower his quickening word obey, 
Or to each lingering bloom enjoins delay.” 
LETTER XXXVIII. 
** Omnibus animalibus reliquis certus et uniusmodi, et in suo 
cuique genere incessus est ; aves sole vario meatu feruntur, et 
in terra, et in dere.” —Puin., Hist. Nat., lib. x., cap. 38. 
Selborne, Aug. 7, 1778. 
Dear Sir,—A Goon ornithologist should be able 
to distinguish birds by their air as well as by their 
colours and shape, on the ground as well as on the 
wing, and in the bush as well as in the hand. For 
though it must not be said that every species of 
birds has a manner peculiar to itself, yet there is 
somewhat in most genera at least that at first sight 
discriminates them, and enables a judicious observ- 
er to pronounce upon them with some certainty. 
Put a bird in motion 
“ Et vera incessu patuit.” 
Thus kites and buzzards sail round in circles with 
wings expanded and motionless; and it is from 
their gliding manner that the former are still called 
in the north of England gleads, from the Saxon 
verb glidan, to glide. The kestrel, or windhover 
