LETTER XXIV. 



To the same. 



SELBORNE, Aug. i$eh, 1775. 



lEAR SIR, There is a wonderful spirit of 

 sociality in the brute creation, independent 

 of sexual attachment : the congregating of 

 gregarious birds in the winter is a remarkable 

 instance. 



Many horses, though quiet with company, 

 will not stay one minute in a field by them- 

 selves : the strongest fences cannot restrain them. My neigh- 

 bour's horse will not only not stay by himself abroad, but he 

 will not bear to be left alone in a strange stable without 

 discovering the utmost impatience and endeavouring to break 

 the rack and manger with his fore-feet. He has been known 

 to leap out at a stable-window, through which dung was 

 thrown, after company ; and yet in other respects is remark- 

 ably quiet. Oxen and cows will not fatten by themselves; 

 but will neglect the finest pasture that is not recommended 



