thermometer was one day fourteen degrees and a half below the
freezing point, within doors. The tender evergreens were injured
pretty much. It was very providential that the air was still, and the
ground well covered with snow, else vegetation in general must
have suffered prodigiously. There is reason to believe that some
days were more severe than any since the year 1739-40.

I am, etc., etc.



Letter XIV
To Thomas Pennant, Esquire

Selborne, March 12, 1768.

Dear Sir,

If some curious gentleman would procure the head of a fallow-
deer, and have it dissected, he would find it furnished with two
spiracula, or breathing-places, beside the nostrils; probably
analogous to the puncta lachrymalia in the human head. When the
deer are thirsty they plunge their noses, like some horses, very deep
under water, while in the act of drinking, and continue them in that
situation for a considerable time, but, to obviate any
inconvenience, they can open two vents, one at the inner corner of
each eye, having a communication with the nose. Here seems to be
an extraordinary provision of nature worthy our attention; and
which has not, that I know of, been noticed by any naturalist. For it
looks as if these creatures would not be suffocated, though both