water. From hence I would conclude that these 

 hirundines, and the larger bats, are supported by 

 some sorts of high-flying gnats, scarabs, or phalcence 

 that are short of continuance ; and that the short 

 stay of these strangers is regulated by the defect of 

 their food. 



By my journal it appears that curlews clamoured 

 on to October the 31st; since which I have not seen 

 or heard any. Swallows were observed on to No- 

 vember the third. 



Selborne, Dec. 8, 1769, 



LETTER XXIX. 

 To THE Honourable Daines Barrington. 



It was no small matter of satisfaction to me to 

 find that you were not displeased with my little 

 methodus of birds. If there is any merit in the sketch, 

 it must be in its exactness. For many months I car- 

 ried a list in my pocket of the birds that were to 

 be remarked on ; and, as I rode or walked about, I 

 noted each day the continuance or omission of each 

 bird's song ; so that I am as sure of my facts as a 

 man can be of any transaction whatsoever. 



I shall now proceed to answer the several queries 



which you put in your two obliging letters, in the 



best manner that I am able. Perhaps Eastwick, and 



118 



