The Natural History of Selborne

Young sheep suffer much by the weather, & look poorly.

Arbutus’s, Cypresses, Ilex’s seem to be dead: even Portugal-laurels are injured, & Cedars of Libanus, American, & Swedish Junipers, & firs, Scotch & Spruce untouched.

The scorched laurels cast their leaves, & are almost naked.

On this cold day about noon a bat was flying round Gracious street-pond, & dipping down & sipping the water, like swallows, as it flew: all the while the wind was very sharp, & the boys were standing on the ice.

The wind blowed-off the fox’s tail.

Planted two rows of garden-beans.

Boys play on the Plestor at marbles, & peg-top.  Thrushes sing in the coppices.  Thrushes & blackbirds are much reduced.

Made a seedling-cucumber-bed.  The glazier mended the light of the seedling-frame broken by hail.

Men begin to plough again.

Received five gallons, & seven pints of French brandy from Mr Edmd Woods.