200 GILBEET WHITE OF SELBOENE 1789 



that of the male is much stronger and brighter than the 

 female, and is considerably larger, and even in the same 

 sex there is frequently a visible difference. I last year 

 killed a male and female together, when the former was 

 in pursuit of the latter on her first arrival in the spring 

 (as I suppose you know all our male migrative birds 

 precede the females in their vernal visit) in these the great 

 disparity of weight and difference in colour would have 

 puzzled me exceedingly, had I not some time before the 

 barbarous act was committed, paid attention to the ad- 

 dresses of the male. I confess I am not acquainted with 

 the one you describe with the primaries and secondaries 

 tipt with white, and if you are still of opinion that is a 

 distinct species I should be obliged to you for it. If you 

 should favour me with any small bird at this season, it 

 will be advisable to wrap it up in soft paper sprinkled, or 

 damped, with vinegar, first laying the feathers smooth and 

 then cover'd with thicker paper, wetted with the same. 

 This will both preserve the bird moist and defy putri- 

 faction: larger birds should be carefully opened with a 

 sharp knife from the vent upwards, laying the feathers 

 back with damp paper to prevent their being blooded in 

 taking out the intestines ; a little alum or nitre should then 

 be thrown in and the incision stopped with tow; and if 

 a little of the alum and tow was put into the mouth it 

 would ensure its coming to me in good order. If you have 

 any conveyance to Bath and you will take the trouble of 

 directing either a box or basket for me to the care of the 

 E* Hon^^^ Lady Jane Courtenay, Milsom Street, Bath, I 

 shall get it the day after it arrives there. 



Notwithstanding my post town is in Glocestershire, I 

 live in Wiltshire, where I shall be happy to obey any 

 commands from you and remain Sir 



Y' most obed* humble serv*, 



G. Montagu. 



