OF SELBORNE. 



47 



it had been killed some days, and the eyes were sunk, 

 I could make no good observation on the colour of the 

 pupils and the irides '. 



The most unusual birds I ever observed in these 

 parts were a pair of hoopoes (Upupa}, which came 



THE HOOl'OE. 



several years ago in the summer, and frequented an 

 ornamented piece of ground, which joins to my garden, 

 for some weeks. They used to march about in a stately 

 manner, feeding in the walks, many times in the day ; 

 and seemed disposed to breed in my outlet ; but were 

 frighted and persecuted by idle boys, who would never 

 let them be at rest 2 . 



1 The irides of all the British species of true falcons are brown. 

 W. Y. 



2 But few instances have been recorded of the breeding in England of 



