NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE 133 



haps the worst adapted of any among the winged creation 

 for such a feat of natural affection. 1 



[I return you thanks for y r proof-sheet respecting the 

 elks : & am pleased to see that my description of the 

 moose corresponds so well with your's. Last night as I 

 rode home thro' Alton I found at the post-house, con- 

 tained in three franks, Mar: Th : Brunnichii Icthyologia 

 Massilien sis : my best acknowledgements are due for so 

 curious & rare a present. 



With the greatest esteem, 

 I conclude y r most obliged 



& humble Servant, 



GIL : WHITE.] 



1 Scopoli's assertion has been verified by the subsequent observation of 

 naturalists. Professor Newton writes to Bell (ed. " Selborne," vol. i. p. 86, 

 note), " That the bill assists materially in carrying off and particularly in steadying 

 the young bird while being carried, seems to be established ; but the most 

 efficient instruments are the parent's thighs, between which the chick is grasped, 

 while the head and bill are recurved beneath." [R. B. S.] 



