172 The Natural History of Selborne 



RAII NOMINA. 



Swallow, Hirundo domes tica. In soft sunny weather. 



Wren, Passer troglodytes. Sometimes from bush to bush. 



Birds that breed most early in these parts : 



Raven, Corvus. Hatches in February and March. 



Song-thrush, Turdus. In March. 



Blackbird, Merula. In March. 



Rook, Cornixfrugilega. Builds the beginning of March. 



Woodlark, Alauda arborea. Hatches in April. 



Ring-dove, Palumbus torquatus. Lays the beginning of April. 



All birds that continue in full song till after Midsummer appear 

 to me to breed more than once. 



Most kinds of birds seem to me to be wild and shy somewhat in 

 proportion to their bulk ; I mean in this island, where they are 

 much pursued and annoyed ; but in Ascension Island, and many 

 other desolate places, mariners have found fowls so unacquainted 

 with an human figure, that they would stand still to be taken ; as is 

 the case with boobies, &c. As an example of what is advanced, I 

 remark that the gold-crested wren (the smallest British bird) will 

 stand unconcerned till you come within three or four yards of it, 

 while the bustard (Otis), the largest British land fowl, does not care 

 to admit a person within so many furlongs. 



I am, &c. 



