THE NATURAL HISTORY 



[LETT. 



the level of the fields ; and after floods, and in frosts, exhibit 

 very grotesque and wild appearances, from the tangled roots 

 that are twisted among the strata, and from the torrents rushing 

 down their broken sides ; and especially when those cascades 

 are frozen into icicles, hanging in all the fanciful 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 



COTTAGES IN THK VIU.AGB. 



delight the naturalist with their various botany, and particularly 

 with the curious filices with which they abound. 



The manor of Selborne, were 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, 

 l>ecause they more affect open fields than inclosures ; after 

 harvest some few landrails are seen. 



The parish of Selborue, by taking in so much of the forest, 



