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NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 
Birds that breed most early in these parts : — 
RAII NOMINA. 
Raven, 
Corvus: 
Turdus : 
Merula : 
Hatches in February and March. 
In March. 
In March 
Builds the beginning of March. 
Hatches in April. 
Lays the beginning of April.* 
Song-thrush, 
Blackbird, 
Rook, 
Comix frugilega : 
Alauda arhorea : 
Palumbus torquatus : 
Woodlark, 
Ring-dove, 
All birds that continue in full song till after Midsummer 
appear to me to breed more than once. 
Most kinds of birds seem to me to be wild and shy somewhat 
in proportion to their bulk ; I mean in this island, where they 
are much pursued and annoyed : but in Ascension Island, and 
many other desolate places, mariners have found fowls so unac- 
quainted with a human figure, that they would stand still to be 
taken ; as is the case with boobies, &c. As an example of what 
is advanced, I remark that the golden-crested wren (the smallest 
British bird) will stand unconcerned till you come within three 
or four yards of it, while the bustard (otisj, the largest British 
land fowl, does not care to admit a person within so many furlongs. 
LETTER III. To the Hon. DAINES BARRINGTON. 
It was no small matter of satisfaction to me to find that you 
were not displeased with my little methodus of birds. If there 
was any merit in the sketch, it must be owing to its punctuality. 
For many months I carried a list in my pocket of the birds that 
were to be remarked, and, as I rode or walked about my busi- 
ness, I noted each day the continuance or omission of each bird's 
song ; so that I am as sure of the certainty of my facts as a man 
can be of any transaction whatsoever. 
I shall now proceed to answer the several queries which you 
put in your two obliging letters, in the best manner that I am 
able. Perhaps Eastwick, and its environs, where you heard so 
very few birds, is not a woodland country, and therefore not 
stocked with such songsters. If you will cast your eye on my 
* The robin should certainly have been included here, as it occasionally nidificates even in 
mid-winter, and not unfrequently at the close of the month of January, when the weather is 
mild. — Ed. 
I am, &c. 
DEAR SIR, 
Selborne, Jan. 15, 1770. 
