The Natural History of Selborne

Mrs Ben White came.

An army of caterpillars infest my young goose-berry trees, which were planted this spring: & the case is the same at Dr Chandler’s.  Thomas picked the trees carefully, & gave them a good watering.

Peat cart begins.

Still for the first time since May 1st.  Chalk cart.

On this day 26 houses, besides a number of barns, stables, granaries, &c. were burnt down at Barton-Stacey near Winchester.  Only ten or twelve houses were preseved, among which is the parsonage, a large farm house, & some others out of the line of the street.  The people of Selborne subscribed 6 ae. 1 s. 0 d. on this occasion: the county collection was very large & ample.

During the severe winds it is not easy to say how the Hirundines subsist; for they withdraw themselves, & are hardly ever seen, nor do any insects appear for their support. That they can retire to rest, & sleep away these uncomfortable periods, as the bats do, is a matter to be suspected rather than proved: or do they not rather spend their time in deep & shelt’red vales near waters, where insects are more likely to be found? Certain it is, that hardly any individuals of this Genus have been seen for several days together.

Began to use the lettuces under the fruit wall.

Cut the leaves of Rhubarb for tarts: the tarts are very good.  Sent some of the leaves of the crocus’s to Edmd White: they make good tyings for hops, being tough, & pliant.

Cut a good mess of asparagus.