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NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 



their time together in a lonely orchard, where they saw no creature 

 but each other. By degrees an apparent regard began to take 

 place between these two sequestered individuals. The fowl would 

 approach the quadruped with notes of complacency, rubbing 

 herself gently against his legs : while the horse would look down 

 with satisfaction, and move with the greatest caution and circum- 

 spection, lest he should trample on his diminutive companion. 

 Thus, by mutual good offices, each seemed to console the vacant 

 hours of the other : so that Milton, when he puts the following 

 sentiment into the mouth of Adam, seems to be somewhat 

 mistaken : 



" Much less can bird with beast, or fish with fowl, 

 So well converse, nor with the ox the ape." 



I am, &c. 



