The Natural History of Selborne

Planted from Mr Etty’s garden a root of the Arum dracunculus, or Dragons; a species rarely to be seen; but has been in the vicarage-garden ever since the time of my Grandfather, who dyed in spring 1727/8.

Mr Yalden’s tank is full.  Brought down by Brother Thomas White from South Lambeth & planted in my borders:  Dog toothed violets.  Persian Iris.  Quercus cerris.  Double ulmaria.  Double filipendula.  Callis.  White fox-glove.  Iron fox-glove.  Double wall-flower.  Double scarlet lychinis.

Began to mend the dirty parts of the bostal with chalk.

Tyed-up endives: they are backward this year, & not well-grown. One sowing never came up.  The barley about Salisbury lies in a sad wet condition.

Sam White, & Ben Woods returned to Fyfield.  Fly-catcher.  Harvest moon.  Selborne hopping lasts only two days in Farmer Spencer’s, & Master Hale’s gardens;  many gardens afford no pickings at all.  Mr Hale will have only about 200 weight.  The great garden at Hartley, late Sr. Sim. Stuart’s, consisting of 20 acres, produced only about 2 tons.

Gathered-in the white pippins, a great crop.  Cleansed-out the zig-zag.  Tho. Holt White, & Henry Holt White came.  Bessy White, Sam White, & Ben Woods came from Fyfield.  The Virginian Creeper is grown up to the eaves; but will probably shoot no farther, as the leaves at bottom begin to turn red.  Total eclipse of the moon.

Mr. Etty’s well is still foul.  Began to light fires in the parlor.  Brother Thomas, & Molly White came.

Ponds are filled.  Hirundines skulk about to avoid the cold wind.  Mr Sam. Barker left us, & went to Fyfield.

Nep. John White left us, & went to London.  Sun-dew blows.  Planted 50 curled endive-plants, which we had from Daniel Wheeler.  The heat of the summer prevented our last sowings from growing.

Tremella nostoc appears on the walks.  Tho’ the weather may have been ever so dry & burning, yet after two or three wet days this strange jelly-like substance abounds.