130 



THE NATURAL HISTORY 



[LETT. 



In the extent of their wings they measured fourteen inches 

 and a half: and four inches and a half from the nose to the tip 

 of the tail : their heads were large, their nostrils bilobated, their 

 shoulders broad and muscular, and their whole bodies fleshy and 

 plump. Nothing could be more sleek and soft than their fur, 

 which was of a bright chestnut colour ; their maws were full of 

 food, but so macerated that the quality could not be distinguished ; 

 their livers, kidneys, and hearts, were large, and their bowels 

 covered with fat. They weighed each, when entire, full one 

 ounce and one drachm. Within the ear there was somewhat of 

 a peculiar structure that I did not understand perfectly ; but 

 refer it to the observation of the curious anatomist. These 

 creatures sent forth a very rancid and offensive smell. 



Sept. 1771. 



LETTER XLVII. 

 TO THOMAS PENNANT, ESQ. 



ON the 12th of July I had a fair opportunity of contemplat- 

 ing the motions of the caprimulgus, or fern-owl, as it was play- 

 ing round a large oak that swarmed with Scarabcci solstitiales, 

 or fern-chafers. The powers of its wing were wonderful, ex- 

 ceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of 

 the swallow genus. But the circumstance that pleased me most 

 was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short 

 leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver some- 

 what into its mouth. If it takes any part of its prey with its 

 foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these 

 chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which 

 is curiously furnished with a serrated claw. 



Swallows and martins, the bulk of them I mean, have for- 

 saken us sooner this year than usual ; for, on the 22nd of 

 September, they rendezvoused in a neighbour's walnut-tree, 

 where it seemed probable they had taken up their lodgings for 



