86 NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 



feed on earthworms, that are common on sheep-walks and 

 downs. They breed on fallows and lay-fields abounding 

 with grey mossy flints, which much resemble 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 

 resembles 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 3rd September. 



When the oedicnemus flies, it stretches out its legs 

 straight behind, like a heron. 



LETTER XXXIY. 



Selbornb, 3Iarch SOth, 1771. 



There is an insect with us, especially on chalky districts, 

 which is very troublesome and teasing all the latter end of 

 the summer, getting into people's skins, especially those of 

 women and children, and raising tumours which itch 

 intolerably. This animal (which we call a harvest bug) is 



