of Selborne 201 



only instance at present in the crocus saiivus^ the vernal, 

 and the autumnal crocus, which have such an affinity, 

 that the best botanists only make them varieties of the 

 same genus, of which there is only one species ; not being 

 able to discern any difference in the corolla, or in the 

 internal structure. Yet the vernal crocus expands its 

 flowers by the beginning of March at farthest, and often 

 in very rigorous weather ; and cannot be retarded but by 

 some violence offered : — while the autumnal (the saffron) 

 defies the influence of the spring and summer, and will 

 not blow till most plants begin to fade and run to seed. 

 This circumstance is one of the wonders of the creation, 

 little noticed, because a common occurrence : yet ought 

 not to be overlooked on account of its being familiar, 

 since it would be as difficult to be explained as the most 

 stupendous phsenomenon in nature. 



Say, what impels, amidst surrounding snow. 

 Congealed, the crocus' flamy bud to grow ? 

 Say, what retards, amidst the summer's blaze, 

 Th' autumnal bulb till pale, declining days? 

 The God of Seasons ; whose pervading power 

 Controls the sun, or sheds the fleecy shower : 

 He bids each flower His quickening word obey; 

 Or to each lingering bloom enjoins delay. 



LETTER XLII 



TO THE HONOURABLE DAINES BARRINGTON 



'* Omnibus animalibus reliquis certus et uniusmodi, ct in suo cuique 

 genere incessus est : aves solse vario meatu feruntur, et in terra, et 

 in acre." — Plin. Hist. Nat, lib. x. cap. 38. 



Selborne, Aug. 7, 1778. 



Dear Sir, 

 A good ornithologist should be able to distinguish birds 

 by their air as well as by their colours and shape ; on the 

 ground as well as on the wing, and in the bush as well as 

 in the hand. For, though it must not be said that every 

 species of birds has a manner peculiar to itself, yet there 



