THE NATURAL HISTORY 
[LETT. 
In the extent of their wings they measured fourteen inches 
and a half : and four inches and a half from the nose to the tip 
of the tail : their heads were large, their nostrils bilobated, their 
shoulders broad and muscular, and their whole bodies fleshy and 
plump. IsTothing could be more sleek and soft than their fur, 
which was of a bright chestnut colour ; their maws were full of 
food, but so macerated that the quality could not be distinguished ; 
their livers, kidneys, and hearts, were large, and their bowels 
covered with fat. They weighed each, when entire, full one 
ounce and one drachm. Within the ear there was somewhat of 
a peculiar structure that I did not understand perfectly ; but 
refer it to the observation of the curious anatomist. These 
creatures sent forth a very rancid and offensive smell. 
Sqtt. 1771. 
LETTER XLYir. 
7'U THOMAS PENNANT, ESQ. 
On the 12th of July I had a fair opportunity of contemplat- 
ing the motions of the caimlmulgus, or fern-owl, as it was play- 
ing round a large oak that swarmed with Scarahcei solstitiales, 
or fern-chafers. The powers of its wing were wonderful, ex- 
ceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of 
the swallow genus. But the circumstance that pleased me most 
was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short 
leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver some- 
what into its mouth. If it takes any part of its prey with its 
foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these 
chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which 
is curiously furnished with a serrated claw. 
Swallows and martins, the bulk of them I mean, have for- 
saken us sooner this year than usual ; for, on the 22nd of 
September, they rendezvoused in a neighbour's walnut-tree, 
where it seemed probaltle they had taken up their lodgings for 
