The Natural History of Selborne

Tyed up endives.  Some people have finished wheat-harvest.

A little black curculio damages the peaches by boring holes in them before they are quite ripe.  I do not remember this insect on my wall-fruit before.  They damage the leaves also.

Some few grapes begin to turn red.  Peaches begin to ripen & are large & good.  Nectarines look well: they are ruddy & very large.

Vast quantities of nuts & filberts.

Tho’ there was a brisk air from the S. all the afternoon; yet the clouds in an upper region flew swiftly all the while from ye N. in great quantities.

Peaches & nectarines redden.  China-asters begin to blow.

Sweet harvest day.  Wheat housed all this afternoon.  With respect to the singing of birds Aug. is much the most silent month: for many species begin to reassume their notes in September.  The goldfinch sings now every day.

Wasps begin to appear.  No swifts since last week.

Terrible storm all night, which made sad havock among the hops, & broke off boughs from the trees.

Wheat lies in a bad way.  Much cut, little bound, & scarce any housed.