NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE 141 



never met with any one that has seen them in England in 

 the winter. I believe they are not fond of going near the 

 water, but feed on earth-worms, that are common on 

 sheep-walks and downs. They breed on fallows and lay- 

 fields abounding with grey mossy flints, which much re- 

 semble their young in colour ; among which they skulk 

 and conceal themselves. They make no nest, but lay 

 their eggs on the bare ground, producing in common but 

 two at a time. There is reason to think their young run 

 soon after they are hatched ; and that the old ones do 

 not feed them, but only lead them about at the time of 

 feeding, which, for the most part, is in the night." Thus 

 far my friend. 



In the manners of this bird you see there is something 

 very analogous to the bustard, whom it also somewhat re- 

 sembles in aspect and make, and in the structure of its feet. 



For a long time I have desired my relation to look out 

 for these birds in Andalusia ; and now he writes me word 

 that, for the first time, he saw one dead in the market on 

 the third of September. 



When the oedicnemus flies it stretches out it's legs straight 

 behind, like an heron. I am, &c. 



