214 
NATURAL HISTORY 
LETTER XXRV 
TO THE HONOURABLE DAINES BAHRINGTOK. 
Selbornk, Aug. 15, 1775. 
HERE is a wonderful spirit of sociality in tlie 
brute creation, independent of sexual attach- 
ment : the congregating of gregarious birds 
in the winter is a remarkable instance. 
Many horses, though quiet with com- 
pany, will not stay one minute in a field by themselves : the 
strongest fences cannot restrain them. My neighbour's 
horse will not only not stay by himself abroad, but he will 
not bear to be left alone in a strange stable without dis- 
covering the utmost impatience, and endeavouring to break 
the rack and manger with his fore feet : he has been known 
to leap out at a stable window, through which dung was 
thrown, after company; and yet in other respects is 
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 
sheep, which constantly flock together. 
But this propensity seems not to be confined 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 afield, 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 
^ Barrington has inserted this Letter in his "Miscellanies," p. 251 ; 
prefacing it thus : — " I shall here, on this head, subjoin part of a letter 
which I have received from my often-mentioned correspondent, the 
Rev. Mr. White, of Selborne, in Hampshire." — Ed. 
