LETTER XXIX. 



Jo M same. 



SELBORNE, J/oy 12^, 1770. 

 EAR SIR, Last month we had such a series 

 of cold turbulent weather, such a constant suc- 

 cession of frost, and snow, and hail, and tem- 

 pest, that the regular migration or appearance 

 of the summer birds was much interrupted. 

 Some did not show themselves (at least were 

 not heard) till weeks after their usual time ; 

 as the blackcap and whitethroat; and some have not been 

 heard yet, as the grasshopper-lark and largest willow-wren. 

 As to the fly-catcher, I have not seen it ; it is indeed one of the 

 latest, but should appear about this time : and yet, amidst all 

 this meteorous strife and war of the elements, two swallows dis- 

 covered themselves as long ago as the eleventh of April, in frost 

 and snow; but they withdrew quickly, and were not visible 

 again for many days. House-martins, which are always more 

 backward than swallows, were not observed till May came in. 

 Among the monogamous birds several are to be found, 

 after pairing- time, single, and of each sex; but whether this 

 state of celibacy is matter of choice or necessity, it is not so 



