238 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 
secured but in cellars; that several redwings and thrushes were 
killed by the frost; and that the large titmouse continued to 
pull straws lengthwise from the eaves of thatched houses and 
barns in a most adroit manner, for a purpose that has been 
explained already.’ 
On the 3d January, Benjamin Martin’s thermometer within 
doors, in a close parlor where there was no fire, fell in the 
night to 20°, and on the 4th, to 18°, and on the 7th, to 17%°, 
a degree of cold which the owner never since saw in the same 
situation; and he regrets much that he was not able at that 
juncture to attend his instrument abroad. All this time the 
wind continued north and northeast; and yet on the 8th, 
roost-cocks, which had been silent, began to sound their 
clarions, and crows to clamor, as prognostic of milder weather ; 
and, moreover, moles began to heave and work, and a manifest 
thaw took place. From the latter circumstance we may con- 
clude that thaws often originate under ground from warm 
vapors which arise; else how should subterraneous animals 
receive such early intimations of their approach? Moreover, 
we have often observed that cold seems to descend from above ; 
for, when a thermometer hangs abroad in a frosty night, the 
intervention of a cloud shall immediately raise the mercury 
10°; and a clear sky shall again compel it to descend to its 
former gauge. 
And here it may be proper to observe, on what has been 
said above, that though frosts advance to their utmost severity 
by somewhat of a regular gradation, yet thaws do not usually 
come on by as regular a declension of cold; but often take 
place immediately from intense freezing; as men in sickness 
often mend at once from a paroxysm. 
To the great credit of Portugal laurels and American juni- 
pers, be it remembered that they remained untouched amidst 
the general havoc : hence men should learn to ornament chiefly 
1See Letter X LI. to Pennant. 
