128 NATURAL IIISTOnV 



distinct species; for the quadrupeds of 

 Britain are so few, that every new species 

 is a great acquisition. 



The eagle-owl, could it be proved to 

 belong to us, is so majestic a bird, that it 

 would grace our fauna much. I never 

 was informed before where wild-geese are 

 known to breed. 



You admit, I find, that I have proved 

 your fcn-sa/icaria to be the lesser reed-spar- 

 row of Rat/ : and I think you may be secure 

 that I am right ; for I took very particular 

 pains to clear up that matter, and had some 

 fair specimens ; but, as they were not well 

 preserved, they are decayed already. You 

 will, no doubt, insert it in its proper place 

 in your next edition. Your additional 

 plates will much improve j^our work. 



De Jhiffoii, I know, has described the 

 water shrew-mouse : but still I am pleased 

 to find you have discovered it in Lincoln- 

 shire, for the reason 1 have given in the 

 article of the white hare. 



As a neighbour was lately ploughing in a 

 dry chalky field, far removed from any 



