90 FATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 



scarcity of this sort, at least in these parts, occasions some 

 suspicions in my mind whether it is really a species, or 

 whether it may not be the male part of the more known 

 species, one of which may supply many females; as is 

 known to be the case in sheep and some other quadrupeds. 

 But this doubt can only be clegired by a farther examina- 

 tion, and some attention to the sex, of more specimens : all 

 that I know at present is, that my two were amply 

 furnished with the parts of generation, much resembling 

 those of a boar. 



In the extent of their wings they measured fourteen 

 inches and a half ; and four inches and a half from the nose 

 to the tip of the tail : their heads were large, their nostrils 

 bilobated, their shoulders broad and muscular ; and their 

 whole bodies fleshy and plump. Nothing could be more 

 sleek and soft than their fur, which was of a bright chestnut 

 colour ; their maws were full of food, but so macerated that 

 the quality could not be distinguished ] their livers, 

 kidneys, and hearts were large, and their bowels covered 

 with fat. They weighed each, when entire, full one ounce 

 and one drachm. Within the ear there was somewhat of a 

 peculiar structure that I did not understand perfectly ; but 

 refer it to the observation of the curious anatomist. These 

 creatures sent forth a very rancid and offensive smell. 



LETTER XXXYII. 



Selbohne, 1771. 



On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating 

 the motions of the caprimulgus, or fern-owl, as it was 

 playing round a large oak that swarmed with Scarabcei 



n 



A 



