32 NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 



I suspect much there may be two species of water-rats. 6 Ray 

 says, and Linnaeus after him, that the water-rat is web-footed 

 behind. Now I have discovered a rat on the banks of our little 

 stream that is not web-footed, and yet is an excellent swimmer 

 and diver : it answers exactly to the mus amphibius of Linnaeus 

 (see Syst. Nat?) which he says " natat in fossis et urinatur" I 



THE BLACKCAP. 



should be glad to procure one " plant is palmatis" Linnaeus 

 seems to be in a puzzle about his mus amphibius, and to doubt 

 whether it differs from his mus terrestris ; which if it be, as he 

 allows, the " mus agrestis capite grandi brachyuros" of Ray, is 

 widely different from the water-rat, both in size, make, and manner 

 of life. 



As to the falco, which I mentioned in town, I shall take the 

 liberty to send it down to you into Wales ; presuming on your 

 candour, that you will excuse me if it should appear as familiar to 

 you as it is strange to me. Though mutilated " qualem dices . . . 

 antehac fuisse, tales cum sint reliquice ! " 



