38 NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE 



Foreign systematics are, I observe, much too vague in 

 their specific differences ; which are almost universally con- 

 stituted by one or two particular marks, the rest of the 

 description running in general terms. But our countryman, 

 the excellent Mr. Ray, is the only describer that conveys 

 some precise idea in every term or word, maintaining his 

 superiority over his followers and imitators in spite of the 

 advantage of fresh discoveries and modern information. 



At this distance of years it is not in my power to re- 

 collect at what period woodcocks used to be sluggish or 

 alert when I was a sportsman : but, upon my mentioning 

 this circumstance to a friend, he thinks he has observed 

 them to be remarkably listless against snowy foul weather ; 

 if this should be the case, then the inaptitude for flying 

 arises only from an eagerness for food ; as sheep are 

 observed to be very intent on grazing against stormy wet 

 evenings. 



I am, &c. &c. 



