OF SELBORNE 145. 



Iheir specific differences ; which are almost universally 

 constituted by one or two particular marks, the rest of 

 the description running in general terms. But our 

 countryman, the excellent Mr. Ray, is the only describer 

 that conveys some precise idea in every term or word,, 

 maintaining his superiority over his followers and 

 imitators in spite of the advantage of fresh discoveries- 

 and modern information. 



At this distance of years it is not in my power to* 

 recollect at what periods woodcocks used to be sluggish 

 or alert when I was a sportsman ; but, upon my mention- 

 ing this circumstance to a friend, he thinks he has- 

 observed them to be remarkably listless against snowy 

 foul weather : if this should be the case, then the inapti- 

 tude for flying arises only from an eagerness for food ; as- 

 sheep are observed to be very intent on grazing against 

 stormy wet evenings. 



I am, etc., etc. 



LETTER XI 



Selborne, Feb. 8, 1772. 

 Dear Sir, 



When I ride about in the winter, and see such prodigious- 

 flocks of various kinds of birds, I cannot help admiring: 

 at these congregations, and wishing that it was in my 

 power to account for those appearances almost peculiar to 

 the season. The two great motives which regulate the 

 proceedings of the brute creation are love and hunger ; 

 the former incites animals to perpetuate their kind, the 

 latter induces them to preserve individuals ; whether 

 cither of these should seem to be the ruling passion ia 



