The Natural History of Selborne

Sowed thirteen rods, on the twelfth part of an acre of grass ground in my own upper Ewel close with 50 pounds weight of Gypsom; also thirteen rods in Do. with 50 pounds weight of lime; thirteen rods more in Do. with 50 pounds weight of wood & peat-ashes: and four rods more on Do. with peat-dust. All these sorts of manures were sown by Bror T. W. on very indifferent grass in the way of experiment.

The grass was covered with cob-webs, which being loaded with dew, looked like frost.  A grey hen was lately killed on that part of Hind-head which is called the Devil’s punch-bowl.  This solitary bird has haunted those parts for some time.