The Natural History of Selborne

Many species of Insects are stirring thro’ every month in mild winters.

Many species of muscae come-out. Earth-worms lie out at their holes after ’tis dark.

Helleborus viridis emerges out of the ground, budding for bloom.  Laurustine blooms.

Much damage at Portsmouth by unusual tides, & at the isle of Wight.  * A rook should be shot weekly the year thro’, & it’s crop examined: hence perhaps might be discovered whether in the whole they do more harm or good from the contents at various periods.  Tho’ this experiment might show that the birds often injure corn, & turneps; ye the continual consumption of grubs, & noxious insects would rather preponderate in their favour.

Vast rain, stormy.  Much damage was done by sea & land; & on the river at London.