124 NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 



Birds that breed most early in these parts : 



RAII NOMINA. 



Raven, Corvtts: Hatches in February and March. 



Song-thrush, Turdus : In March. 



Blackbird, Merula : In March. 



Rook, Comix frugihga : Builds the beginning of March. 



Woodlark, Alauda arborea : Hatches in April. 



Ring-dove, Palumbus torquatas : 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 unac- 

 quainted with a 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 golden-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. 



LETTER III. To THE HON. DAINES BARRINGTON. 



DEAR SIR, Selborne, Jan. 15, 1770. 



IT was no small matter of satisfaction to me to find that you 

 were not displeased with my little methodus of birds. If there 

 was any merit in the sketch, it must be owing to its punctuality. 

 For many months I carried a list in my pocket of the birds that 

 were to be remarked, and, as I rode or walked about my busi- 

 ness, I noted each day the continuance or omission of each bird's 

 song ; so that I am as sure of the certainty of my facts as a man 

 can be of any transaction whatsoever. 



I shall now proceed to answer the several queries which you 

 put in your two obliging letters, in the best manner that I am 

 able. Perhaps Eastwick, and its environs, where you heard so 

 very few birds, is not a woodland country, and therefore not 

 stocked with such songsters. If you will cast your eye on my 



* The robin should certainly have been included here, as it occasionally nidificates even in 

 mid-winter, and not unfrequently at the clove of the month of January, when the weather i 

 mild. ED. 



