The Natural History of Selborne

Young squab red-breasts were found this day in a nest built in a hollow tree.

Violent hail-storm, which filled the gutter, & came in & flooded the stair-case; & came down the chinmies & wetted the floors.

The wheat-ear, a bird so called, returns & appears on Selborne down.

Sowed the border opposite the rear parlor-windows with dwarf upright larkspurs; a fine sort.

The hot-bed streams very much; but the plants thrive, & put out their roots down the sides of the hills; & the weeds spring in the bed.  Yet a little neglect, should there come hot sun-shine, would burn the plants.  Holes are bored on every side in the dung.

The sun mounts & looks down on the hanger.  The air is milder.

Earthed the bearing cucumber-bed.  The bed comes gently to its heat.

A squirrel in my hedges.

A strong smell of London smoke.

Spread Mrs Etty’s coal-ashes on the bank, & other borders.