488 NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 
their time together in a lonely orchard, where they saw no creature 
but each other. By degrees an apparent regard began to take 
place between these two sequestered individuals. The fowl would 
approach the quadruped with notes of complacency, rubbing 
herself gently against his legs: while the horse would look down 
with satisfaction, and move with the greatest caution and circum- 
spection, lest he should trample on his diminutive companion. 
Thus, by mutual good offices, each seemed to console the vacant 
hours of the other: so that Milton, when he puts the following 
sentiment into the mouth of Adam, seems to be somewhat 
mistaken : 
** Much less can d7rd with Jeast, or fish with fowl, 
2 
So well converse, nor with the ox the ape.’ 
I am, &c. 
