The Natural History of Selborne

Snow-drops, & crocus’s shoot.

Mr. Churton came from Oxford.

Dark & cold, frost.

Saw lately a white, & a yellow wagtail about the well-head rivulet.  No farther north than Rutland wagtails, withdraw, & are never seen in the winter.

Hard frost, very white, boys slide.  Snipes come up from the forest along the meads by the sides of the stream.  Hardly here & there a woodcock to be seen.

Swept-up the leaves in the walks.

Timothy las laid himself up under the hedge against Benham’s yard in a very comfortable, snug manner: a thick tuft of grass shelters his back, & he will have the warmth of the winter sun.

Ground very wet.  Farmer Tull plants Butts-close with hops.

Cut down & covered the artichokes: covered the rhubarb plants; & the lettuces under the fruit-wall, & the spinage very lightly with straw.

Snow covers the ground, snow shoe deep.