42 NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 



tender evergreens were injured pretty much. It was very pro- 

 vidential that the air was still, and the ground well covered with 

 snow, else vegetation in general must have suffered prodigiously. 

 There is reason to believe that some days were more severe than 

 any since the year 1739-40.* 



I am, c., &c. 



LETTER XIV. 



TO THE SAME. 



SELBOKNE, March i-zt/i, 1768. 



DEAR SIR, If some curious gentleman would procure the head 

 of a fallow-deer, and have it dissected, he would find it furnished 

 with two spiracula, or breathing-places, besides the nostrils ; pro- 



ORIFICE IN FALLOW-DEER. 



bably analogous to the puncta lachryinalia in the human head. 

 When deer are thirsty they plunge their noses, like some horses, 

 very deep under water, while in the act of drinking, and continue 

 them in that situation for a considerable time : but, to obviate any 

 inconveniency, they can open two vents, one at the inner corner of 



* See Letters LXI., LXII. to Mr. Barring ton. 



