At this distance of years it is not in my power to recollect at what
periods woodcocks used to be sluggish or alert when I was a
sportsman; but, upon my mentioning this circumstance to a friend,
he thinks he has observed them to be remarkably listless against
snowy foul weather: if this should be the case, then the inaptitude
for flying arises only from an eagerness for food; as sheep are
observed to be very intent on grazing against stormy wet evenings.
I am, etc., etc.
Letter XI
To The Honourable Daines Barrington
Selborne, Feb. 8, 1772.
Dear Sir,
When I ride about in the winter, and see such prodigious flocks of
various kinds of birds, I cannot help admiring at these
congregations, and wishing that it was in my power to account for
those appearances almost peculiar to the season. The two great
motives which regulate the proceedings of the brute creation are
love and hunger; the former incites animals to perpetuate their
kind, the latter induces them to preserve individuals; whether either
of these should seem to be the ruling passion in the matter of
congregating is to be considered.
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