larly with the curious filices with which they 

 abound. 



The manor of Selborne, were it strictly looked 

 after, with all its kindly aspects, and all its sloping 

 coverts, would swarm with game ; even now hares, 

 partridges, and pheasants abound ; and in old days 

 woodcocks were as plentiful. There are few quails, 

 because they more affect open fields than inclosures ; 

 after harvest some few landrails are seen. 



The parish of Selborne, by taking in so much of 

 the forest, is a vast district. Those who tread the 

 bounds are employed part of three days in the busi- 

 ness, and are of opinion that the outline, in all its 

 curves and indentings, does not comprise less than 

 thirty miles. 



The village stands in a sheltered spot, secured by 

 the Hanger from the strong westerly winds. The 

 air is soft, but rather moist from the effluvia of so 

 many trees ; 3'et perfectly healthy and free from 

 agues. 



The quantity of rain that falls on it is very con- 

 siderable, as may be supposed in so woodv and 

 mountainous a district. As my experience in meas- 

 uring the water is but of short date, I am not quali- 

 fied to give the mean quantity, but a very intelligent 

 gentleman assures me (and he speaks from upwards 

 of forty years' experience) that the mean rain of any 

 place cannot be ascertained till a person has meas- 

 ured it for a very long period. I only know that 



15 



