In the extent of their wings they measured fourteen inches and an
half, and four inches and an half from the nose to the tip of the tail;
their heads were large, their nostrils bilobated, their shoulders
broad and muscular, and their whole bodies fleshy and plump.
Nothing could be more sleek and soft than their fur, which was of a
bright chestnut colour; their maws wale full of food, but so
macerated that the quality could not be distinguished; their livers,
kidneys, and hearts were large, and their bowels covered with fat.
They weighed each, when entire, full one ounce and one drachm.
Within the ear there was somewhat of a peculiar structure that I did
not understand perfectly; but refer it to the observation of the
curious anatomist. These creatures send forth a vary rancid and
offensive smell.
Letter XXXVII
To Thomas Pennant, Esquire
Selborne, 1771.
Dear Sir,
On the twelfth of July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the
motions of the caprimulgus, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a
large oak that swarmed with scarabaei solstitiales, or fern-chafers.
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