NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 13 
shapes of frost-work. These rugged gloomy scenes affright the 
ladies when they peep down into them from the paths above, and 
make timid horsemen shudder while they ride along them; but 
delight the naturalist with their various botany, and particularly 
with their curious filices with which they abound. 
The manor of Selborne, was it strictly looked after, with all its 
kindly aspects, and all its sloping coverts, would swarm with game ; 
even now hares, partridges, and pheasants abound; and in old days 
woodcocks were as plentiful. There are few quails, because they 
more affect open fields than enclosures; after harvest some few 
landrails are seen. 
ROCKY HOLLOW LANE. 
The parish of Selborne, by taking in so much of the forest, is a 
vast district. Those who tread the bounds are employed part of 
three days in the business, and are of opinion that the outline, in 
all its curves and indentings, does not comprise less than thirty 
miles. 
The village stands ina sheltered spot, secured by The Hanger 
from the strong westerly winds. The air is soft, but rather moist 
from the effluvia of so many trees; yet perfectly healthy and free 
from agues. 
The quantity of rain that falls on it is very considerable, as may 
be supposed in so woody and mountainous a district. As my 
