The Natural History of Selborne

Herons haunt the stream below the house, where the Wey meanders along the meads. Lord Stawell sent me a curious water-fowl, shot on Frinsham pond, which proved to be the Shoveler, remarkable for the largeness of it’s bill. It is a species of duck, & most exactly described by Mr Ray. Large wood-pecker laughs very loud. My Brother’s lambs frolick before the windows, & run to a certain hillock, which is their goal, from whence they hurry back; & put us in mind of the following passage in the Poet of nature:
“Now the sprightly race/
Invites them forth; then swift, the signal given,/
They start way, & sweep the mossy mound/
That runs around the hill.”