LETTER XXIV 1 



TO THE SAME 



SELBORNE, Aug. 15, 1775. 



DEAR SIR, There is a wonderful spirit of sociality in 

 the brute creation, independent of sexual attachment : the 

 congregating of gregarious birds in the winter is a remark- 

 able instance. 



Many horses, though quiet with company, will not stay 

 one minute in a field by themselves ; the strongest fences 

 cannot restrain them. My neighbour's horse will not only 

 not stay by himself abroad, but he will not bear to be left 

 alone in a strange stable without discovering the utmost 

 impatience, and endeavouring to break the rack and manger 

 with his fore feet. He has been known to leap out at 

 a stable-window, through which dung was thrown, after 

 company ; and yet in other respects is remarkably quiet. 

 Oxen and cows will not fatten by themselves ; but will 

 neglect the finest pasture that is not recommended by 

 society. It would be needless to instance in sheep, which 

 constantly flock together. 



But this propensity seems not to be confined to animals 

 of the same species ; for we know a doe, still alive, that 

 was brought up from a little fawn with a dairy of cows ; 

 with them it goes a-field, and with them it returns to the 

 yard. The dogs of the house take no notice of this deer, 

 being used to her ; but, if strange dogs come by, a chase 

 ensues ; while the master smiles to see his favourite securely 



1 This letter was published by Barrington in his " Miscellanies," and he 

 states that he had received it from his "often-mentioned correspondent, the Rev. 

 Mr. White of Selborne, in Hampshire." [R. B. S.] 



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