The Natural History of Selborne

Hay not housed at Meonstoke & Warnford.

Mr Grim the artist left me.  Began to gather apricots.  Put out two rows of celeri: thr ground dry & harsh.

We destroyed a strong wasp’s nest, consisting of many combs: there were young in all gradations, from fresh-laid eggs to young wasps emerging from their aurelia state; many of which came forth after we had kept the combs ’til the next day.  Where a martin’s nest was broken that contained fledge young: the dams immediately repaired the breach, no doubt with a view to a second brood.

Peacocks begin to moult & cast their splendid train. Total eclipse of the moon.

Cut the grass in the little meadow.  Hay makes well.  Hops fill their poles, & throw-out lateral shoots.

Bees that have not swarmed kill their drones.

Walnuts abound, but are rather small & spotted.

Bees swarm the swarm of a swarm, which swarmed itself at the beginning of June.  A neighbour has had nine swarms from four stalls: two apiece from three of them, & three from one.

Missle thrushes bring forth their broods, & flock together.

Sambucus ebulus.  Dwarf elder blows. Fungi begin to appear.