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at present in the crocus sativus, the vernal and the autumnal 

 crocus, which have such an affinity, that the best botanists 

 only make them varieties of the same genus, of which there is 

 only one species, not being able to discern any difference in the 

 corolla, or in the internal structure. Yet the vernal crocus 

 expands its flowers by the beginning of March at farthest, and 

 often in very rigorous weather ; and cannot be retarded but by 

 some violence offered ; while the autumnal (the saffron) defies 

 the influence of the spring and summer, and will not blow till 

 most plants begin to fade and run to seed. This circumstance 

 is one of the wonders of the creation, little noticed because a 

 common occurrence ; yet ought not to be overlooked on account 

 of its being familiar, since it would be as difficult to be explained 

 as the most stupendous phenomenon in nature. 



" Say, what impels, amidst surrounding snow 

 Congealed, the crocus, flamy bud to grow? 

 Say, what retards, amidst the summer's blaze, 

 Th' autumnal bulb, till pale, declining days ? 

 The GOD OF SEASONS, whose pervading power 

 Controls the sun, or sheds the fleecy shower : 

 He bids each flower His quickening word obey, 

 Or to each lingering bloom enjoins delay." 



LETTER XLII 



" Omnibus animalibus reliquis certus et uniusmodi, et in suo cuique genere 

 incessus est : aves solae vario meatu feruntur, et in terra, et in acre." 



SELBORNE, Aug. fth, 1778. 



DEAR SIR, A good ornithologist should be able to distin- 

 guish birds by their air as well as by their colors and shape ; 

 on the ground as well as on the wing : and in the bush as well 

 as in the hand. For, though it must not be said that every 

 species of birds has a manner peculiar to itself, yet there is 

 somewhat in most genera at least that at first sight discrimi- 

 nates them and enables a judicious observer to pronounce upon 

 them with some certainty. Put a bird in motion 



. . . " Et vera incessu patuit." . . . 



