12 
THE NATURAL HISTORY 
[LETT. 
the level of the fields ; and after floods, and in frosts, exhibit 
very grotesque and wild appearances, from the tangled roots 
that are twisted among the strata, and from the torrents rushing 
down their broken sides ; and especially when those cascades 
are frozen into icicles, hanging in all the fanciful shapes of 
frost-work. These rugged, gloomy scenes affright the ladies 
when they peep down into them from the paths above, and 
make timid horsemen shudder while they ride along them ; but 
COTTAGES IN THE VILLAGE. 
delight the naturalist with their various botany, and particularly 
with the curious filiccs 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, 
