OF SELBORNE. 329 



remarkably quiet. Oxen and cows will not 

 fatten by themselves ; but will neglect the 

 finest pasture that is not recommended by 

 society. It would be needless to instance 

 in sheep, which constantly flock together. 

 ^ But this propensity seems not to be con- 

 fined to animals of the same species ; for 

 we know a doe, still alive, that was brought 

 up from a little fawn with a dairy of cows ; 

 with them it goes a-field, and with them it 

 returns to the yard. The dogs of the house 

 take no notice of this deer, being used to 

 her ; but, if strange dogs come by, a chase 

 ensues ; while the master smiles to see his 

 favourite securely leading her pursuers over 

 hedge, or gate, or stile, till she returns to 

 the cows, who, with fierce lowings and 

 menacing horns, drive the assailants quite 

 out of the pasture. 



Even great disparity of kind and size 

 does not always prevent social advances 

 and mutual fellowship. For a very intelli- 

 gent and observant person has assured me 

 that in the former part of his life, keeping 

 but one horse, he happened also on a time 



