128 NATURAL HISTORY 



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 fen-salicaria to be the lesser reed-spar^ 

 row of Ray : 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 your work. 



De Biiffori, 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 



