The Natural History of Selborne

Just at the close of day several teams of ducks fly over the common from the forest: they go probably to the streams about Alresford.

Martins congregate in vast flocks, & frequent trees, & seem to roost in them.  The second brood of Martins near the stair-case window, which were hatched Aug. 8, came-out September 5th.  So that the building a nest, & rearing two broods take up much about four months, May, June, July, & August; during September they congregate, & retire in October.

Ladies-traces blow, & abound in the long Lithe.  A rare plant.  * The young house-martins of the first flight are often very troublesome by attemtping to get into the nest among the second callow broods; while their dams are as earnest to keep them out, & drive them away.

Selborne people begin hop-picking.  The tops of beeches begin to turn yellow.

The failure of turnips this year is very great.

Flies torment the horses in a most unusual manner.

There is this year the greatest crop of wheat in the North-field that ever was remembered.

My well sinks very much.

Full moon.  The pair of martins which build by the stair-case window, where their first brood came-out on July 7: are now hatching a second brood, as appears by some egg-shells thrown-out.

The fruit of the wild merry-trees being now ripe, diverts the thrushes &c. from eating the currans, goose-berries, &c.: therefore useful in outlets.