The Natural History of Selborne

Young geese & ducks.  Four swallows at Alton.

Linnets, & chaffinches flock still: so are not paired.  Some few sky-larks survive.

No rain since the beginning of March. The ground dry & harsh.  The Bombylius medius abounds.  It is an hairy insect, like an humble-bee, but with only two wings, & a long straight beak, with which it sucks the early flowers, always appearing in March.  The female seems to lay it’s eggs as it poises on the it’s wings, by striking it’s tail on the ground, & against the grass that stands in it’s way in a quick manner for several times together.

Gossamer floats.  Wood-larks hang suspended in the air, & sing all night.