The Natural History of Selborne 377 



laurel-hedge, in a high situation, and facing to the north, was 

 perfectly green and vigorous ; and the Portugal laurels remained 

 unhurt. 



As to the birds, the thrushes and blackbirds were mostly de- 

 stroyed ; and the partridges, by the weather and poachers, were so 

 thinned that few remained to breed the following year. 



