The Natural History of Selborne

Pease begin to be hacked.  Saw two swifts.

Swifts to be partly gone.  Martins congregate.

Lapwings flie in parties to the downs as it grows dusk.

Those maggots that make worm-holes in tables, chairs, bed-posts, &c., & destroy wooden-furniture, especially where there is any sap, are the larvae of the ptinus pectinicornis.  This insect, it is probable, deposits its eggs on the surface, & the worms eat their way in.  In their holes they turn into the pupa state, & so come foth winged in July: eating their way thro’ the valences or curtains of a bed, or any other furniture that happens to obstruct their pasasge.  They seem to be most inclined to breed in beech; hence beech will not make lasting utensils, or furniture.  If their eggs are deposited on the surface, frequent rubbings will preserve wooden furniture.

Levant weather: a brisk gale all day that dies away at sunset.

Hops promise well, & throw out branches at every joint.

Sweet day.  Vast dew.  Somewhat of an autumnal temperament seems to take place.  Young martins come out.  Young swifts seem to be out.

Hay makes in the afternoon.  Cocked ye hay.  Martins (young) peep out of their nests.  Bulfinches devour all the rasps.  Ricked last load of hay in fine order.

Cut my little mead.  Vines in bloom.  Showers about.

Turneps begin to be hoed.  Red-breast’s note begins to be distinguishable, other birds being more silent.