NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 13 



shapes of frost-work. These rugged gloomy scenes affright the 

 ladies when they peep down into them from the paths above, and 

 make timid horsemen shudder while they ride along them; but 

 delight the naturalist with their various botany, and particularly 

 with their curious filices with which they abound. 



The manor of Selborne, was it strictly looked after, with all its 

 kindly aspects, and all its sloping coverts, would swarm with game ; 

 even now hares, partridges, and pheasants abound ; and in old days 

 woodcocks were as plentiful. There are few quails, because they 

 more affect open fields than enclosures ; after harvest some few 

 landrails are seen. 



ROCKY HOLLOW LANE. 



The parish of Selborne, by taking in so much of the forest, is a 

 vast district. Those who tread the bounds are employed part of 

 three days in the business, and are of opinion that the outline, in 

 all its curves and .indentings, does not comprise less than thirty 

 miles. 



The village stands in a sheltered spot, secured by The Hanger 

 from the strong westerly winds. The air is soft, but rather moist 

 from the effluvia of so many trees ; yet perfectly healthy and free 

 from agues. 



The quantity of rain that falls on it is very considerable, as may 

 be supposed in so woody and mountainous a district. As my 



