OF SELBORNE. 
LETTER XXIV. 
TO THE SAME. 
DEAR SIR, Sblborne, Aug. 15, 1775, 
Th ere is a wonderful fpirit of fociality in the brute creation, 
independent of fexual attachment : the congregating of grega» 
rious birds in the winter is a remarkable inftance. 
Many horfes, though quiet with company, will not flay one 
minute in a field by themfelves : the flrongeft fences cannot 
reftrain them. My neighbour's horfe will not only not ftay by 
himfelf abroad, but he will not bear to be left alone in a flrange 
ftable without difcovering the utmoft impatience, and endeavour- 
ing to break the rack and manger with his fore feet. He has 
been known to leap out at a ftable-window, through which dung 
was thrown, after company; and yet in other refpeds is remark- 
ably quiet. Oxen and cows will not fatten by themfelves ; but 
will negledt the fineft pafture that is not recommended by fociety^ 
It would be needlefs to inftance in flieep, which conftantly 
flock together. 
But this propenfity feems not to be confined to animals of the 
fame fpecies ; for we know a doe, ftill' alive, that was brought 
up from a little fawn with a dairy of cows ; with them it goes 
a-field, and with them it returns to the yard. The dogs of the 
houfe take no notice of this deer, being ufed to her; but, if 
ftrange dogs come by, a chafe enfues ; while the mafter fmiles 
to fee his favourite fecurely leading her purfuers over hedge, or 
■ - C c gate, 
