The simple exhibition of the fishes
is agreeable and pleasant; but in so complicated a way becomes
whimsical and unnatural, and liable to the objection due to him,
Qui variare cupit rem prodigialiter unam.
I am, etc.
Letter LV
To The Honourable Daines Barrington
October 10, 1781.
Dear Sir,
I think I have observed before that much the most considerable part
of the house-martins withdraw from hence about the first week in
October; but that some, the latter broods I am now convinced,
linger on till towards the middle of that month: and that at times,
once perhaps in two or three years, a flight, for one day only, has
shown itself in the first week of November.
Having taken notice, in October 1780, that the last flight was
numerous, amounting perhaps to one hundred and fifty; and that
the season was soft and still; I was resolved to pay uncommon
attention to these late birds; to find, if possible, where they roosted,
and to determine the precise time of their retreat. The mode of life
of these latter hirundines is very favourable to such a design; for
they spend the whole day in the sheltered district, between me and
the Hanger, sailing about in a placid, easy manner, and feasting on
those insects which love to haunt a spot so secure from ruffling
winds.
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